1
Former Springboks captain calls it a day
By Peter Thompson
Bulls hooker and former South Africa captain Adriaan Strauss will retire at the end of the Super Rugby season.
The 32-year-old called time on his Test career last year and took a short sabbatical before returning for the Bulls.
Strauss has now decided to hang up his boots when the campaign comes to a close, bringing an end to an illustrious 14-year career.
"It hasn't been an easy decision, but one that I've been thinking about for a while now." said the ex-Springboks skipper, capped 66 times by his country.
"I have been blessed to play the game I love, with and against some amazing people, all while building some great friendships.
"The Bulls have always backed me and given me the opportunity to prove myself, and for this I am eternally grateful.
"It is however time for me to enter into the next phase of my life and focus on a few new ventures… and off course enjoy being a supporter while I'm at it."
Strauss returned for a second spell with the Bulls three years ago after playing 97 times for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby.
No South African player has made more Super Rugby appearances than the 156 Strauss has racked up.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments