Bok prospect George Cronje retires at 23 - report

Former Junior Springbok captain and Sharks loose forward George Cronje has reportedly retired from professional rugby at the age of 23 due to persistent knee injuries.

The 6'4, 107kg back row was viewed an up-and-coming talent after a stellar age grade career.

According to Afrikaans news outlet Rapport Cronje has decided to step away from the game and has returned to his family farm in the Free State. His early exit marks the end of a promising career that began with great expectations but was ultimately hindered by injuries.

Cronje was a standout at Grey College where he made a name for himself with his physicality. In 2021 he captained the Junior Springboks leading a team that went on to produce several future Springbok stars including Canan Moodie, Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

It were these performances at the junior level that earned him recognition as one of the most promising young forwards in South African rugby.

He played a crucial role in the Cheetahs’ 2023 Currie Cup title victory showcasing his skills as a dynamic and hard-working loose forward.

Following that success Cronje made the move to the Sharks hoping to continue his rise in the professional ranks. However, his time with the Durban-based franchise was cut short as persistent knee problems limited his appearances to eight matches last season.