Retirement: Juan Smith
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South Africa and Cheetahs flanker Juan Smith has been forced to retire following the results of an MRI scan.
Smith has been sidelined since suffering an Achilles injury back in February 2011, but recently made a comeback appearance against the Stormers in pre-season.
However an MRI scan on Monday was negative, after Smith re-injured the Achilles.
An official announcement is expected to be made on Tuesday.
"It was the fans that lifted me after every disappointment of an operation and helped me scrape together hope to try and return to the field. I appreciate the support that I received through the years from my family, and that I received from Springbok and especially Free State supporters," Smith told Die Volksblad.
"There are possibilities but I haven't taken any decisions. I need to assess the physical and mental impact of my injury over the past few years. I'm first going to go for a week's vacation."
Smith played in 69 Tests for the Springboks. He was part of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2007, won the Tri-Nations (2009) and was a member of the Bok squad that overcame the British & Irish Lions in 2009. In 2002, Smith was one of the stars of the South African U21 team that won the IRB U21 World Cup on home soil.
Smith also enjoyed success at provincial level with the Free State Cheetahs when they won the Currie Cup in 2005.
"This is a disappointing day for rugby as we see one of the greats of modern Springbok rugby go into retirement," said Oregan Hoskins, SARU President.
"Juan was a vital cog for every team in which he played and he will be sorely missed, not only by the Springboks, but also by the Cheetahs.
"As one of the hard men of South African rugby, Juan distinguished himself as someone that always put the team first. He wasn't someone who looked for glory, but knew what was needed to get the job done. He never gave less than his very best.
"We wish Juan all the best for his future and hope to still see him involved in rugby in some way. Thank you for your great service to rugby in South Africa in the past 10 years."
Apart from his 69 Tests and two non-Tests for South Africa, currently the 11th most by any Springbok, Smith also played in 41 matches for the Free State Cheetahs, 32 Super 12 matches for the Cats and 47 Super Rugby matches for the Cheetahs. He played a total of 198 First Class matches throughout his career, which spanned 10 seasons.
Smith made his Test debut on 7 June 2003 against Scotland in Durban and played his last Test on 27 November 2010 against England at Twickenham, where he was named man of the match.
He played in two Rugby World Cup tournaments (2003 and 2007) and was also nominated as the SA Rugby Player of the Year in those seasons.
Comments
firepower says...
YOU'RE LEGEND JUAN. I HOPE YOU'LL COME BACK SOON TO LEAD THE BOKS IN 2015 WORLD CUP. GO BOKKE.
Posted 01:39 12th February 2013
Frazermackie says...
@carpelone you know they are from different countries? Lol. Sad to think the best was yet to come from a hugely talented player.
Posted 01:07 12th February 2013
itsamyth says...
I promised myself I would not comment on these pages again but I am moved to publicly say 'Thank you for the memories Juan'.
Without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, consistently you were the greatest blind side flanker that I have ever seen (Andre Venter, your fellow Freesater, only marginally behind). You were feared and respected, majestic and peerless at the back of the lineout, a powerhouse going forward and deadly in the tackle. But not least, you were intelligent, always humble and embodied all of what it means to be a great and legendary Springbok. Sterkte Juan and all of the very best in your future endevours. I salute you.
To PR, thanks for this opportunity.
Posted 22:17 11th February 2013
Sasquatch says...
I just watched "The Notebook" and my girlfriend was sobbing like a baby. Now I know how she feels.
Posted 22:10 11th February 2013
ruck_man7 says...
it is sad indeed
not only is he a loyal servant of South African rugby but to the game itself.
a fine character!!
wishing you all the best!!
Posted 21:56 11th February 2013
carpelone says...
If this is the case, it is a sad day for South African and world rugby. He never put a foot wrong, both on the pitch and outside. I would always pick him ahead of McCaw, any day.
Posted 21:34 11th February 2013
Spartacus says...
Gutted. The Boks have missed him so much, and the gulf between him and Spies is evident. Too many injuries for the Boks - something has to change!
Posted 21:34 11th February 2013
Stuntman_Stag says...
How very sad not to see him play again, a great player that bolstered any team he played for, sorely missed.
Posted 21:12 11th February 2013
Isograford says...
Was surprised he's 31, really doesn't seem to have been on the International scene that long. One of those talented players who's careers are plighted by injury, very sad.
Posted 20:51 11th February 2013
mlbp says...
Sad news indeed if he does have to retire from rugby. I hope he is able to come back, but with so much time off the field it would always be difficult to reach the standards of his best form.
A true gentleman of the game, one of the best blind side flankers in history, sorely missed of late by the Springboks and fans alike. He would be in my all-time team. Physical but not a violent. Never a thug as far as I know, who has played his heart out for his teams. Admired by his opponents because he has always been honest and true to the sport. He would have been an excellent skipper for the Boks.
Posted 19:39 11th February 2013
kooper says...
Really saddened by this. Like heathy, I too would've loved to have seen him be the next captain.
And now I'm going to be in a foul mood for the rest of this week :(
Posted 19:38 11th February 2013
scot_rsa says...
So unlucky, he had plenty to offer the Cheetahs still. Must be tough after such a long fightback. This guy epitomises what is good about rugby and is one of the arguments to counter the morons who think SA players are thugs. Skill and brains matched with a giant work ethic. Good luck to him in all he does.
Posted 19:34 11th February 2013
cayzam says...
Regarded by many international players who have played against him as the hardest man in world rugby. He will be missed.
Posted 18:59 11th February 2013
heathy says...
Very sad if this is the case. He really was a class act and South Africa have missed him badly. I had him down for the skippers job before JDV got it when Smith was injured. He also seemed like a nice chap.
Posted 18:35 11th February 2013
martinmarais78 says...
SAD :(
VERY SAD :(
Simply one of the greatest players South Africa ever produced. I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HIM FOR ALWAYS staying loyal to the Cheetahs and saying no to the money game. LAST OF A KIND!!! LEGEND!!!
Posted 18:21 11th February 2013