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Schalk Brits has retired... and this time he insists it is for good
By Online Editors
Schalk Brits has retired from rugby for the second time - and this time it will be for good as the oldest member of the Springboks squad is bowing out at the top following World Cup success in Japan.
It was 2018 when the now 38-year-old was tempted out of retirement by Rassie Erasmus. He hadn’t featured for the Springboks since the 2015 World Cup but was convinced by Erasmus to give it one last whirl following a stellar career where he fleetingly played for South Africa but starred at a multitude of club sides such as the Lions, Bulls, Stormers and Saracens.
Speaking about his latest departure, Brits told the South African Rugby website: “I was happy and content with my career when I decided to retire at the end of the English season in 2018 and I was on holiday with my family in Ibiza when I got a text message from Rassie Erasmus, but at first I thought it was Vincent Koch playing a joke.
“When I realised it was really Rassie, I decided to give it one last shot and ended up playing for the Bulls, something I never thought would happen as a born-and-bred Capetonian, but I loved my time in Pretoria and we had a good season as well.
“Playing in Pretoria was tough on my family, but I’ve not regretted it for one day as it gave me a shot at playing for the Boks again. It was a season of sacrifice, but it was worth it.
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“When we saw Rassie’s plan – and everyone bought in – we knew what we could achieve and all of us worked towards that goal. Everyone knew their roles and how much hard work it would take, and we got stuck in. As a squad, we spent a lot of time together and it was unbelievable being part of this experience.”
Britz only ever played 15 Test matches in a 12-season career, but he has left as a World Cup winner with the warm praise of Erasmus ringing in his ears.
“Schalk was an invaluable member of our squad and someone who not only lifted the spirit among the players but set an example with his professionalism and superb work-rate throughout the last two seasons,” said Erasmus.
“He came in with one goal in mind and that was to make the Springboks successful, putting aside his own ambitions and selflessly working for the greater good of the team, as player and mentor to younger squad members.
“To say Schalk is a team player would be underestimating the massive role he played in our success, and for that, I can only thank him.”
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Latest Comments
Agreed. A very good comparison. On the day they can beat anyone.
You can never be sure which team is pitching up until the whistle blows.
I think Contemponi is a fabulous coach.
Go to commentsUmm - really?
He goes on to say that they just need to deal with the Bok scrums, lineouts and territorial game. Those are not one or two little things ...
Besides, I suspect Tony Brown would like to see his new attacking philosophy clicking against Wales. That involves a lot more than set pieces and kicking. And Gatland might want to be ready for it.
For me the big question is whether the Boks retain their shape and intensity, regardless of the scoreline. If they do that then it could be a cricket score.
But there have been times this year when we have seen them get into a kind of error strewn, shelter shelter, hot potato mode on attack. Hope we don't see that, because it is silly and ineffective. Also boring.
I would love to see the new Bok plan in full flight. But, sadly, my expectation is that we will be another England-like post-game interview, with Rassie "taking the win" but declaring that they did not play the way they intended to.
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