VIDEO: Bok plaudits for AMAZING Frans Steyn

The Springbok class of 2023 are striving to replicate the achievements of their just retired teammate - François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn.

The two-time World Cup-winning Bok, Steyn, announced his retirement – with immediate effect.

The announcement late on Tuesday ended all speculation about his chances to make a record fourth World Cup appearance for South Africa.

In a post on his social media pages, Steyn announced that he is walking away, after having suffered a debilitating knee injury in the Cheetahs' 32-7 Currie Cup win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein in March.

"It's been a tough few months coming to terms with saying goodbye to the game that has been my entire life," Steyn said in a statement posted on Instagram.

"In answer to the many questions I have faced since sustaining a knee injury earlier this year, I am hereby announcing my retirement from professional rugby."

As the youngest player to have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in victory, Steyn has an extensive list of achievements - two World Cup winner's medals, two victories over the British and Irish Lions, a European Challenge Cup trophy and a Currie Cup winner's medal.

Apart from his 78 Tests (including 11 tries), he played in nearly 300 first-class games - Sharks (95), Cheetahs (25), while he also featured in 170-odd games for French (Racing Metro and Montpellier) and Japan (Brave Lupus) teams.

Springboks Malcolm Marx and Francois de Klerk both sang the praises of their retired teammate, Steyn.

(WATCH as Springboks Malcolm Marx and Francois de Klerk sing the praises of retired teammate François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn...)

The Bok hooker, Marx, described Steyn as an "unbelievable person" and an even better player.

"The career that he had is unbelievable," Marx told a media briefing from the team's base in Auckland, adding: "His achievements speak for themselves.

"I am at a loss for words to describe his career.

"All the best for the next chapter in his life."

Seasoned scrumhalf De Klerk said he first got to know Steyn in the Springbok set-up and thoroughly enjoyed playing with him at the 2019 World Cup.

"To experience the type of person he is, was great," De Klerk said, adding: "He cares a lot about the team and the Springboks.

"He is willing to do anything for the team and his teammates.

"As the youngest player ever to win a World Cup, with the way he played, his kicking ability and to do it at that age is amaZING.

"We all aspire to one day be where he is.

"Now he can spend some time with his family, whom he loves and cares for very much.

"We will miss him at the Springboks, no doubt."

The 36-year-old, who played vital roles for the Boks in the 2007 and 2019 World Cup victories, has made no secret of his desire to travel to France with the defending champions in September and October.

He became just the second South African player to win the World Cup twice, following Springbok great Pieter du Randt.

Like Du Randt, Steyn won his two tournaments 12 years apart, first lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2007 as a 20-year-old.

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