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Ex-Springboks prop Adriaanse retires following cancer diagnosis
Former Springboks tighthead Lourens Adriaanse has revealed he has played his last rugby match after explaining on Facebook TV that he is nearly halfway through his chemo following a cancer diagnosis. The 34-year-old played six times for his country, making a 2013 debut off the bench before coming back three years later to play on five more occasions and starting away to Australia and Wales.
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Prop Adriaanse initially made his way in the professional ranks at the Cheetahs and Griquas before hooking up with the Sharks and playing four Super Rugby seasons with them, including 2016 when he became a regular Springboks squad pick.
During that time at the Sharks, a fleeting spell with Montpellier in the Top 14 opened up his interest in playing abroad and Adriaanse went on to spend four seasons at Pau where he made 89 appearances before returning to the Sharks in mid-2021. His last game was in June 2022 as a starter in the Currie Cup game versus the Lions.
In the six-minute retirement video on social media, an emotional Adriaanse explained his diagnosis and looked forward with confidence to a future outside of rugby once he is given the all-clear following his treatment.
He said: “About two months ago I was diagnosed with lymphoma which is lung cancer. It has been a tough few months. I have started my treatment and things have actually been going really well. I am close to halfway and have decided that I am going to stop playing rugby professionally.
Hi I am retiring from rugby and focusing on getting back in good health. Its difficult to put down all the words but for now I would like to thank everyone who assisted me on the way. https://t.co/c5PHa1FGgW
— Lourens Adriaanse (@lourens333) November 7, 2022
“It has been a difficult decision but at the same time, I feel it has been a good process for me to put things in perspective, what is important for me and my family going forward. I’m 34 years old now and I have been really blessed to have a very good career. I would also like to thank the Cell C Sharks for their support in this process. It’s not easy to get to this point but at the same time, I’m also excited about what is ahead for me.
“From next year I am going to do my articles in Stellenbosch for accounting… To everybody that has supported me throughout my career, I’d like to thank you. To be a player for over ten years doesn’t start the day you become a professional player, it starts the first time you pick up a ball and it’s probably more than 25-plus years,” continued Adriaanse, the former Springboks front-rower whose Test debut took place nine years ago away to France in Paris.
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“It has been a long journey and it is good to go through this process now because I am leaving something behind that I really loved but at the same time I am looking forward to a new journey. At 34 years old I believe I have got a lot of years ahead of me in terms of life and to stop playing now is difficult but there will come a time for every person in the game of rugby where you stop and the next chapter is more important than what you have done.
“For the Sharks, especially my CEO Eduard Coetzee, for the support they have given me in the past few months, you will never be able to leave the game on your own terms but at the same time going into the next chapter I am actually excited.
“In terms of my treatment, I am almost halfway through getting chemo. Some days are tough, some days are not that tough. I am quite privileged that I have been responding quite well to treatment. I believe I am going to heal perfectly and I am going to have a good life.
“Having cancer now in a situation where I have got great support from family and friends and my work here at the Sharks, I can really focus on getting better and that is the ultimate goal for me, to be healed. The big thing for me now living with the diagnosis of cancer is to not be fearful and not be afraid that my life has changed.
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“It will get better, I have it now but I won’t have it forever. It was tough to go and tell all the players that I was going to stop playing but at the same time, it was a privilege that I was able to spend my last season here at the Sharks.
“To play rugby is a privilege, especially at this level. I’m still going to be a big supporter of the Sharks. It’s tough when you tell somebody you have got cancer that they feel the need to treat you differently but I still feel the same. That you for your support and I look forward to seeing you guys back in the field in the next few weeks.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to comments