Retiring Springboks duo hailed after 39 years of first-class rugby service comes to an end
Ruan Pienaar in action for the Springboks.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander has paid tribute to retiring Springboks veterans Ruan Pienaar and Willem Alberts, who have hung up their boots after stellar careers.
Pienaar, who was part of the 2007 World Cup-winning squad, ran out for his last game for the Cheetahs in an SA Cup clash two weeks ago, 20 years after his first-class debut.
Then on Saturday it was Alberts‘ turn to play his last fixture as the Lions lost to the Stormers in a result that ultimately ended their United Rugby Championship campaign.
Springbok stalwarts
Both are stalwarts in the South African game and also had successful stints in Europe, with Pienaar becoming a fan favourite at Ulster in a seven-year spell at the province.
Incredibly the experienced pair played a total of more than 800 first-class matches between them for teams in South Africa and Europe, as well as in Springboks colours.
Pienaar ran out in 88 Tests for his country, scoring 135 points, while Alberts won 43 Test caps, scoring seven tries. The pair played in seven and two non-Tests respectively.
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“Ruan and Willem are two totally different players with different personalities, but they were exactly the same in the way in which they shared a love for rugby and poured many years of blood, sweat and tears into the teams they served,” Alexander told SA Rugby‘s website.
“Combined, they played first-class rugby for 39 years, and to be able to carry on playing like they have done, with both now 40 years old, says a lot about their drive, passion and love for the game.
“Both Ruan and Willem were wonderful servants of the Springboks and although they endured many ups and downs in the green and gold, they will forever be remembered as two stalwarts of our game.
“What’s more, both Ruan and Willem chose to return to South Africa after successful club stints in Europe.”
Gave back to South Africa
Alexander added: “They could have easily hung up their boots, but they joined the unions where they grew up and immediately started to plough back into to the game, mentoring younger players and providing leadership to the next generation.
“I salute them for their service to rugby and to South Africa, for being great ambassadors and for returning to our lovely country towards the end of their careers to plough back – it says a lot about their character and the men they are. Thank you Ruan and Willem.”