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Concussion forces another Springbok 10 into retirement

By Online Editors
Peter Grant in action against the All Blacks

Just weeks after Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie was forced to retire, another Springbok star has to hang up his boots following doctors commands.

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Former Springbok and Western Force flyhalf Peter Grant has announced his retirement from Rugby.

The 34-year-old made the decision to retire after receiving specialist advice from doctors in regard to past head injuries. The decision has been an emotional one, but Grant is excited to experience rugby as a spectator and spend more time with his family.

“There is a lot of excitement because now I get to go to the games and watch it with my kids though it’s going to be a challenge. It is also going to be a big change and I am excited for that,” Grant said.

“But initially it was shock and then disappointment and uncertainty because this is all I know, and I was really getting geared up for another season. You go through the phases and there is a lot of emotion about that.”

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The versatile back made his first appearance for the Force in 2016, earning his first cap against the Melbourne Rebels in Round 1 of the Super Rugby Competition and has since played over 25 games for the Force.

Grant also amassed over 880 points for the Stormers over 10 years and played five games for South Africa, debuting against Australia in 2007.

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As a distinguished playmaker, he has travelled the world through his love for the sport, including playing for teams in South Africa, Japan and France and fondly reminisces on the adventures that rugby has allowed for him.

“For me, one of the highlights that comes to mind is that I’ve been able to travel with rugby and rugby has taken me to so many places and I have met some incredible people through this game,” he said.

“When you start up playing rugby in South Africa, all the Australians and the New Zealanders are your competitors, but when I got to travel I got to play with these guys.

“The characters you meet along the way and the friendships that you make, that is definitely one of the greatest highlights of all.”

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But since making the move to the West, Grant has made himself a home in the state with wife, Leigh-Anne, and his three children and is looking forward to spending more time with family.

Head Coach Tim Sampson said Peter’s retirement has been upsetting for the whole team and is a great loss to the rugby community.

“The recent news was devastating for every member of the squad and staff and naturally our thoughts are with Peter and his family,” Sampson said.

“Within our programme and during games, Peter was a calming influence on those around him, so to lose someone of Peter’s experience leaves a huge void.

“Peter has contributed immensely to the Western Force during his time at the club and he will be missed. It is never nice to see a player’s intended retirement plan taken out of their control and dictated by injury.”

On his decision to leave, Peter wanted to thank his family and friends for being a part of his rugby career, especially his wife, Leigh-Anne, his parents and his faith.

“A big thank you to my wife, she travelled with me when I left Cape Town to go to Japan and followed me to France and now when I brought her to Australia. She has been with me every step of the way and she’s been a huge pillar of strength and support for me,” Grant said.

“My faith as well, and Christ have also been a big source of support for me.

“And of course, my parents, for putting a ball in my hands and then following me from when I was a junior and watched me grow and calling me after each game to make sure I was okay.”

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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