Former Stormers flank to hang up his boots

NEWS: long-serving Exeter Chiefs star Don Armand has announced he will be retiring at the end of the current campaign.

Brought to Devon back in 2013 from the Stormers, the 33-year-old forward has since established himself as one of the club's modern-day legends, helping them to both domestic and European glory.

After 193 appearances and 37 tries, the Zimbabwean-born Armand is now calling time on his nine-year stint at Sandy Park and will focus his attentions on family life and business matters away from the club.

"I've had a while to think about it because it wasn't an easy decision," explained Armand. "Having done that, I know this is the right thing for me and my family. Bringing to an end a lifetime of rugby, it does fill me with sadness, but equally I go away with so many happy memories.

"There's no doubt playing the game has made me a way better person than if I went down another route in life. I've had so many valuable life lessons, all of which have an influence on you as a person, and it's those lessons I will use for the next chapter in my life."

Life at the Chiefs, though, has been all that Armand had envisaged - and much more - and he was quick to reflect on his time with the club.

"It's been out of this world," he said. "Someone said to me before I arrived, it will be the best club other than my Uni that I could come to, and they were spot on!

"I do call that person the Oracle and they were spot on. In terms of community, supporters, the club in general, the people within the club, it fit right into the mould that I was used to and thrived in back in South Africa.

"I am super grateful for the club allowing me to wear the badge, represent them on the field and, hopefully, I have been able, both on and off the field, to carry forward all that passion in my performances."

With Exeter effectively becoming home from home for Armand and his family, the England international insists the Chiefs will never be too far from his heart moving forward.

"Exeter is home for us," he added. "I always wanted to make sure I settled roots for my family. I think it's an important aspect in anyone's upbringing, so I am very grateful that we get to settle in down the road because there are so many exciting things happening there. I am glad that we are able to stay so close to something which has been my life and my family's life."

As is often the case with Armand, he remains grounded in terms of the appreciation that others show to him. Not one to revel too much in the limelight, even this announcement is done with a grace that sums up the man himself.

"Of course I go with lots of memories, but the success of the club will last far beyond any individuals," he continued. "For me, I'm just honoured to have played a role. I won't shout about it, but it's been a privilege to be part of this club's special journey.

"Maybe in ten years' time I'll look at it more, but whether I've been playing or I've been on the sidelines, I've always felt part of it. As I said, the club has helped to develop me into the person I am today and it's been great to be part of that."

But what of the future?

Well, Armand has clearly devised a plan.

"The world is my oyster," he laughs. "First and foremost, I want to continue developing myself. Obviously, I have the GAS brand, the Gaming Athlete, which I want to expand further. I want to take that next step forward and be brave in the gaming world. Health and wellness around this area, it's hugely important.

"I want to enjoy being part of that more and getting my head around it all. It's like starting Under-9s rugby, though, you have to learn those basic skills first. Luckily, I have some amazing people around me who will help me grow in that respect and they'll give me those wise learnings from their own experiences.

"Also, my wife has a business which I hope to help with, and we hire out a swimming pool, which I think is lovely! Whatever, the future is bright and I'm looking forward to it."

A future away from rugby, however, is still two months away and although a wrist injury means Armand won't get the chance to pull on an Exeter jersey again in a competitive match, that's not stopping him from playing his part in what should be an exciting conclusion to the current campaign.

"We still have a lot to play for and memories to make," he said. "It's exciting, even though I won't actually be on the field. I want to make sure I'm connecting properly with those players each day, getting them ready, helping them as much as I can. For me, I don't want to look back and think I was sad for those last two months, I want to be involved, I want to play my part."