Adriaan Strauss to retire at end of Super Rugby season

Former South Africa captain Adriaan Strauss has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing Super Rugby season with Bulls.

Strauss made his professional rugby debut with Bulls in 2005 and switched to Cheetahs in 2007. After close to 100 appearances with Cheetahs, he rejoined Bulls in 2015.

The 32-year-old is also the most capped South African Super Rugby player in the history of the game with 156 appearances until now. He also captained Bulls in 2016 and 2017 season.

Strauss said leaving the game was a tough choice and thanked Bulls for the extended support given to him.

“It hasn’t been an easy decision, but one that I’ve been thinking about for a while now. I have been blessed to play the game I love, with and against some amazing people, all while building some great friendships.

“The Vodacom Bulls have always backed me and given me the opportunity to prove myself, and for this I am eternally grateful. It is however time for me to enter into the next phase of my life and focus on a few new ventures… and off course enjoy being a supporter while I’m at it.”

Strauss made his debut for the Springboks in 2008 and has gone on to play 66 times but announced retirement from international rugby at the end of the November Tests in 2016. He also became the 56th captain to lead South Africa when he took in charge in 2016.

Bulls currently are languishing at the bottom of South African Conference with five wins from 13 games.

Adriaan Strauss hits the home stretch. #BullsFamily50Khttps://t.co/uvSBw1PJP8 pic.twitter.com/kU1tL6TqnP

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) 26 June 2018