Double World Cup winner Frans Steyn announces retirement

Two-time World Cup winning South Africa international Frans Steyn has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

His decision to retire follows after he failed to recover from a knee injury that he sustained while playing for Cheetahs in the 32-7 Currie Cup win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein in March.

Steyn started his career in Currie Cup with Sharks in 2006 and went on to make his Super Rugby debut a year later. He also featured for Racing Metro, Toshiba Brave Lupus and Montpellier before joining Cheetahs.

He made his South Africa debut in 2006 and has played 78 Tests scoring 165 points. Steyn also played a pivotal role in South Africa winning the 2007 and 2019 Rugby World Cups making him only the second Springbok player to win the showpiece event twice after Pieter du Randt.

“It’s been a tough few months coming to terms with saying goodbye to the game that has been my entire life,” Steyn said in a statement posted on Instagram.

“In answer to the many questions I have faced since sustaining a knee injury earlier this year, I am hereby announcing my retirement from professional rugby.

“To be honest, this is not how I envisioned the journey ending. Every player wants to end on their own terms, but I am fortunate to have played this game for so long and [am] incredibly grateful for the journey I have had.

“I have given it my everything, and I have no regrets.

“I have a massive number of people to thank from all around the world for the support throughout the highs and lows of my career. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities, the friendship, the memories and lessons that rugby has given me.

“I look forward to the next chapter and the opportunity to give back to the game that has given me everything.

“Thank you for all the support. It has been a massive honour".