Lionel Mapoe retires with boxing match against fellow Bok reportedly lined up

Bulls centre Lionel Mapoe has announced his retirement from rugby and thanked the Bulls for his journey in the blue jersey as he gets ready to lace up and climb into the boxing ring.

The 36-year-old Mapoe said one of the highlights of his career was winning the Currie Cup with the Bulls in 2021, adding: “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire Bulls family for the incredible time I had during my years at the union.

“Winning the Currie Cup in 2021 was a special moment in my career, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing coaches, players, and staff I was fortunate to work alongside. The relationships I built during my time there will stay with me for a lifetime.

“I’m deeply grateful for everything the Bulls have done for me, both on and off the field,” he stated on social media.

It is rumoured that Mapoe will step into the boxing ring to face a former team-mate Elton Jantjies on November 30.

According to Mapoe, he might still consider playing for another year but has no immediate plans and will most likely go into coaching.

He made his senior debut for the Cheetahs in the 2008 Currie Cup and quickly earned himself a spot in the Cheetahs’ Super Rugby squad in 2010. He made his Super Rugby debut against the Bulls in the opening round of that season, marking the beginning of his top-tier professional career.

After his stint with the Cheetahs, Mapoe joined the Lions in 2011. He continued to make significant strides in his career, even spending a year on loan with the Bulls in 2013 when the Lions were relegated.

In 2015, Mapoe’s talent and hard work were rewarded when he earned a call-up to the Springbok squad for the Rugby Championship and had a real chance to be selected for the 2015 World Cup.

His performances for the Lions in the 2015 Super Rugby edition played a crucial role in catching the attention of the national selectors. Prior to this, he had already represented the SA Under-20 team and SA Sevens team, highlighting his versatility and skill set.

Mapoe moved to the Bulls in 2021 where he ultimately would end off his career.