1
Springbok midfielder calls time on career
By Ben Smith
Springboks midfielder and Stormers centurion Juan de Jongh has called time on his professional rugby career after 14 years at the top.
De Jongh made the announcement on his podcast this week Behind the Ruck where he said "all good things must come to an end."
"I've made the decision to retire as well, this year will be my last year," De Jongh said on Behind the Ruck.
"I didn't think 2024 is going to see me.
"I'm looking forward to the last couple of weeks, the IPL 10s coming up, I think that will be my last one as well.
"But all good things come to an end."
After representing South Africa on the Sevens circuit in 2008, De Jongh linked with the Stormers and become the first-choice midfield partner in 2010 after the departure of Springboks legend Jean de Villiers.
A Springboks debut came soon after with De Jongh making his international debut against Wales on the end-of-year-tour that year.
He went on to play 19 Tests for South Africa and represented the Springboks at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
After a three-year absence from the national side, De Jongh earned a recall in 2016 where he played the last of his Tests against the All Blacks in Durban.
He switched back for a second stint in Sevens where he became a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
He linked with Premiership club Wasps in 2017 and played 64 games for the club over five seasons.
At club level in South Africa he notched 100 games for the Stormers after rejoining the club in 2021.
The Stormers paid tribute to the 35-year-old on social media with a farewell message for the veteran thanking him for his commitment to the team.
"A Stormers legend bows out," the Stormers said, "All the best in retirement.
“Thanks for all you did for this team over the years.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments