La Rochelle confirm immediate effect retirement of Raymond Rhule

La Rochelle have announced that former Springboks winger Raymond Rhule has retired from playing with immediate effect. The 32-year-old moved to France in 2018/19 and initially played two seasons at Grenoble before joining Ronan O’Gara’s side in 2020/21 and going on to win two Champions Cup titles.

His most recent appearance was last April, however, coming on as a sub in a Top 14 game away at Castres. The knee injury that has sidelined the seven-cap South African international has now forced his retirement 10 months later.

A statement read: “Arriving at Stade Rochelais in 2020, South African winger Raymond Rhule has been forced to end his career due to a knee injury. He was a major player in the club's two European titles.

“Capable of playing both in the centre and on the wing, the author of 15 tries in Yellow and Black was very much in his element since his arrival in Charente-Maritime.

“A crucial element in the quest for the title in 2022, with a magnificent try in the final in Marseille, Raymond was also a major player in the victory in Ireland the following season, taking part in seven of the eight European matches and scoring twice in Bordeaux during the semi-final against Exeter.

“With 82 matches in Yellow and Black, including 71 as a starter, the South African U20 world champion became a key player in the La Rochelle squad on and off the pitch where his joy of life is contagious. Injured for two seasons, the South African winger only appeared twice last season.

“Declared unfit for high-level sporting practice, Raymond is therefore medically forced to end his career and his Stade Rochelais adventure. He will be honoured and celebrated during the match against Racing 92 this Saturday, February 22.”

“I have created a lot of relationships with a lot of guys here, and even others who have already left. We have managed to do something special, and that will bring us closer together for the rest of our lives,” said Rhule. “It is a special club. When you arrive here, no matter where you come from, no matter what team you played for, you are a Rochelais. Thanks to all the supporters!”

Director of rugby O’Gara added: “Ray's story will have marked the club staff. He is a boy that we chose while he was playing in Grenoble, who worked hard to progress and perform with us. He gave a lot of energy to the group and it is a huge loss for the locker room.

“In the final in Marseille, he achieved something exceptional on what was far from being the best try opportunity... It allowed us to believe in ourselves. It was really a privilege to coach him.”