'The world is my oyster': Exeter's Don Armand confirms retirement

Don Armand is to retire from playing at the end of his ninth season at Exeter following his move to England from the Stormers in 2013. The 33-year-old has managed 197 appearances for Rob Baxter’s team but the Zimbabwean-born forward is now set to hang up his boots to focus on family life and business.

“I have had a while to think about it because it wasn’t an easy decision,” explained Armand about calling it quits at Exeter and on his career as a rugby player which featured two England caps. “Having done that, I know this is the right thing for me and my family. Bringing to an end a lifetime of rugby does fill me with sadness but equally, I go away with so many happy memories.

“There is no doubt playing the game has made me a way better person than if I went down another route in life. I have had so many valuable life lessons, all of which have influenced me as a person, and it’s those lessons I will use for the next chapter in my life.

Mike Brown | Rugby Roots

Mike Brown | Rugby Roots

“It has been out of this world,” added Armand about his time at Exeter. “Someone said to me before I arrived, it will be the best club other than my uni that I could come to and they were spot on. I do call that person the Oracle and they were spot on. 

“In terms of community, supporters, the club in general, the people within the club, it fit right into the mould that I was used to and thrived in back in South Africa. I’m super grateful for the club allowing me to wear the badge, represent them on the field and, hopefully, I have been able to carry forward all that passion in my performances.

“Exeter is home for us. I always wanted to make sure I settled roots for my family. It’s an important aspect of anyone’s upbringing, so I am very grateful that we get to settle down the road because there are so many exciting things happening there. I am glad that we are able to stay so close to something which has been my life and my family’s life.

“The world is my oyster. First and foremost, I want to continue developing myself. Obviously, I have the GAS brand, the Gaming Athlete, which I want to expand further. I want to take that next step forward and be brave in the gaming world. Health and wellness around this area, it’s hugely important.

“I want to enjoy being part of that more and getting my head around it all. It’s like starting U9s rugby, though, you have to learn those basic skills first. Luckily, I have some amazing people around me who will help me grow in that respect and they will give me those wise learnings from their own experiences.

“Also, my wife has a business which I hope to help with, and we hire out a swimming pool, which I think is lovely! Whatever the future is bright and I’m looking forward to it.”

A wrist injury means Armand won’t play again for Exeter before he retires in two months’ time. “We still have a lot to play for and memories to make. It’s exciting, even though I won’t actually be on the field. I want to make sure I’m connecting properly with those players each day, getting them ready and helping them as much as I can. For me, I don’t want to look back and think I was sad for those last two months, I want to be involved, I want to play my part.”