The Sharks have been informed that Justin Swart has decided to retire from the game of rugby to pursue a business career in Durban.
Sharks coach Kevin Putt expressed his views about Justin’s imminent retirement: ”A great servant to the game and the Sharks. As a well-respected player among the team, as well as opponents, he was someone who was always willing to help the youngsters and impart knowledge. A good team man and we wish him well in his future endeavours,” Putt said.
Swart has been one of the stalwarts of the Sharks team since 1999. His career stretches back to 1993 when he made his provincial debut for Western Province.
He went on to score 63 tries for Western Province in 93 games and holds the Western Province record for the most tries in a season (25 in 1997) along with Carel du Plessis (1989). In 1999 he moved to the Sharks and has since played in 42 Currie Cup games, scoring 20 tries and 40 Super 12 games, scoring five tries .
Together with speed and unique running skills, he was capable of doing absolute stunning manoeuvres, which often resulted in try-scoring opportunities. In 2000, he spent a year in New Zealand where he was on loan to Otago.
Swart produced a match-winning display against the Waratahs when he scored a hat-trick in 2001. He has represented the Springboks in 10 Test matches, with his debut being back in 1996 against Fiji.
Brian van Zyl, CEO of the Natal Sharks, said: ”Justin leaves the Sharks with a great rugby career behind him. We wish him every success in his career move. He has been a valuable member of our squad, making his Natal debut back in 1999, and we are sorry to lose him.”
As the sun sets on his fantastic career Swart had the final word.
”Playing rugby for the Sharks has been part of my life since 1999, which will be a huge miss for me. I am looking forward to staying in Durban and doing as well in my business as I did in my rugby. I want to thank all those players, coaches and
administrators who had an influence in my rugby career.
”I want to thank my Sharks team mates and wish them all the very best for next year and the future,” Swart concluded. — Sapa