Former South Africa skipper Corne Krige has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season after his contract with English side Northampton is finished.
Krige said he will then return home to Cape Town with his wife, Justine, and their new baby, Sophia.
”The biggest decision for any rugby player is to decide when and how to retire,” the flanker told the Northampton Saints website.
”I am turning 30 next month, which is still quite young for a rugby player, but I have suffered several severe injuries during my 11-year career. The birth of our child has also made me think differently about bashing my body about for a few more years.
”The one thing that has always helped my rugby was my total commitment and 120% effort I have given in every game.
”My fear is that I would not be able to give that same commitment for another full season and that would mean letting myself, my team and the supporters down.
”I am in the fortunate position of being involved in a few businesses back home and I relish the challenges that lie ahead outside rugby.”
Krige arrived at Northampton just before the start of this season and was immediately made captain by Saints then head coach Alan Solomons.
He stood down as captain when Solomons left in November but the players voted him back in as vice-captain to Steve Thompson.
Krige’s professional career began with his home club, Western Province, from which he was selected for the Stormers Super 12 team.
He made his international debut against Italy in 1999 and earned 39 caps for the Springboks — 18 as captain.
Krige made his debut for Northampton against Bath on the first day of the He has made 19 appearances for the English side so far and has scored two tries.
”I want to thank the Northampton supporters for the way they have accepted me in a very short time and want to assure them of my continued commitment to Saints for the rest of this season,” said Krige.
”I will do everything humanly possible to make sure this club, with its proud heritage and traditions, remains in the Premiership. I truly believe that a club that attracts so much ardent support deserves to stay in the Premiership.”
Northampton said they are sorry to see the South African leave.
”We are disappointed to learn that we will not have Corne with us next season and that he has announced his rugby retirement,” said operations director John Steele.
”He has won over the players and the supporters at Saints with his absolute commitment on the field and personable character off it.” — Sapa-AFP