Springbok legend and Toulon wing Bryan Habana has announced his retirement from all rugby at the end of the current French season.
The former Bulls and Stormers wing has been with Toulon since 2013, but has struggled with injuries throughout his time with the Top 14 side.
The 34-year-old, who is South Africa’s all-time leading try scorer with 67 tries from his 124 Tests, confirmed the news on Tuesday.
In an emotional announcement posted on his Instagram page, Habana announced the end of his rugby career saying: “The inevitable moment has come knocking on my door and I’ve welcomed it in for a drink.
“It’s been more than a year of hoping, trying, pushing and willing to get back on the field for one last time, to taste the sweet victory or encounter that gut-wrenching despair.
“To hear the roar of the crowd or grab the pill out of the air. To make that last bone-crunching tackle or score that last game-winning try. But it’s unfortunately just not to be.”
Habana underwent knee surgery in 2017 and has struggled to make an impact at Toulon this season.