Springbok Jan Serfontein retires with immediate effect

Bulls centre Jan Serfontein has announced his retirement at the age of 33, saying “every player knows that there’s a time to call it a day.”

The 35-cap South Africa international rejoined the Bulls at the start of the season after eight years with Montpellier, but has been dogged my injuries.

The centre suffered an MCL injury last month which has effectively ended his career and ended his second stint at the Bulls prematurely.

Serfontein’s international career started in 2013, where he made his Springboks debut at the age of 20, and ran until 2017 when he made the move to France.

While his homecoming season may not have gone to plan personally, the Bulls can qualify for the United Rugby Championship play-offs over the final two rounds of the regular season.

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“Jan has been the epitome of a true professional and a ‘Loftus man’ through and through,” said Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone.

“From the moment he first arrived as a world-class junior talent to his return as a veteran leader, his contribution to this jersey has been immense.

“While his final season was unfortunately cut short by injury, his impact on the culture of this team and his mentorship of the younger players remained invaluable. We wish Jan and his family nothing but the best for this next chapter; he will always have a home here at Loftus Versfeld.”

Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann added: “I must congratulate him for playing at the highest level and always putting his body on the line. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a long time coaching Jan at the Vodacom Bulls but he struck me as a quality person and a great team man. He was always humble and supportive of the team.

“When he saw me, I felt the need to support his decision. You can have plans but there’s often an inner voice that talks to you. You have to have peace. Besides, the person is more important than rugby itself. I can only thank him for the way he was every day. May him and his family be blessed as they embark on their new chapter.”