Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok calls time on his career
Francois Steyn in action for the Springboks against the All Blacks on the Gold Coast in 2021.
Veteran Springbok utility back Francois Steyn will not represent South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France after announcing his retirement with immediate effect.
The 36-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs, has been sidelined for most of the season with a knee injury which he sustained against the Bulls in March.
Two-time World Cup winner
Steyn, who represented the Springboks from 2006 to 2022 and is one of only two South Africans with two Rugby World Cup winner’s medals – along with Os du Randt – took to social media to announce his retirement.
“It’s been a tough few months coming to terms with saying goodbye to the game that has been my entire life,” Steyn said on his Instagram page on Tuesday night.
“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.
“To be honest, this is not how I envisioned the journey ending. Every player wants to end on their own terms, but I am fortunate to have played this game for so long and [am] incredibly grateful for the journey I have had.
“I have given it my everything, and I have no regrets.
“I have a massive number of people to thank from all around the world for the support throughout the highs and lows of my career. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities, the friendship, the memories and lessons that rugby has given me.
“I look forward to the next chapter and the opportunity to give back to the game that has given me everything.
“Thank you for all the support. It has been a massive honour.”
He made his Test debut against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2006 at the age of 19.
Youngest World Cup winner
The following year he was part of the Springboks’ squad when they won the World Cup in France and is the youngest player to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Steyn played mostly at inside centre but also featured at fly-half, full-back and on the wing during his career.
He represented his country in 78 Tests, scoring 165 points (including 11 tries) and was also in the Boks’ victorious World Cup-winning squad in Japan in 2019.
He started his career at the Durban-based Sharks and also had stints with Top 14 sides Racing 92 (2009 to 2012) and Montpellier (2016 to 2020) as well as in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus (2012 to 2016) before joining the Cheetahs in 2020.
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