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Springbok midfielder calls time on career
By Ben Smith
Springboks midfielder and Stormers centurion Juan de Jongh has called time on his professional rugby career after 14 years at the top.
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De Jongh made the announcement on his podcast this week Behind the Ruck where he said “all good things must come to an end.”
“I’ve made the decision to retire as well, this year will be my last year,” De Jongh said on Behind the Ruck.
“I didn’t think 2024 is going to see me.
“I’m looking forward to the last couple of weeks, the IPL 10s coming up, I think that will be my last one as well.
“But all good things come to an end.”
After representing South Africa on the Sevens circuit in 2008, De Jongh linked with the Stormers and become the first-choice midfield partner in 2010 after the departure of Springboks legend Jean de Villiers.
A Springboks debut came soon after with De Jongh making his international debut against Wales on the end-of-year-tour that year.
He went on to play 19 Tests for South Africa and represented the Springboks at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
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After a three-year absence from the national side, De Jongh earned a recall in 2016 where he played the last of his Tests against the All Blacks in Durban.
He switched back for a second stint in Sevens where he became a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
He linked with Premiership club Wasps in 2017 and played 64 games for the club over five seasons.
At club level in South Africa he notched 100 games for the Stormers after rejoining the club in 2021.
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The Stormers paid tribute to the 35-year-old on social media with a farewell message for the veteran thanking him for his commitment to the team.
“A Stormers legend bows out,” the Stormers said, “All the best in retirement.
“Thanks for all you did for this team over the years.”