Springbok star Raymond Rhule retires due to injury

South African rugby star Raymond Rhule, renowned for his agility and scoring prowess, has officially announced his retirement from professional rugby due to medical reasons.

The La Rochelle winger, a two-time Champions Cup winner, has struggled to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during a pre-season training session last August.

Initially expected to return after five months, complications have prolonged his recovery, forcing the 32-year-old to call time on his illustrious career.

Rhule’s Achilles tendon injury proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. His last appearance on the rugby field came on April 20, 2024, against Castres, marking the end of his journey as a professional player.

Speaking about his time at La Rochelle, Rhule reflected on his partnership with fellow South African winger Dillyn Leyds, which was instrumental in securing back-to-back Champions Cup titles for the French Top 14 club.

A standout moment of Rhule’s career came in the 2022 Champions Cup Final, where he scored La Rochelle’s first try against Leinster, a crucial contribution to the team’s triumph.

Beyond club rugby, Rhule represented South Africa at the international level, earning seven Test caps for the Springboks in 2017 and playing for the SA under-20 side.

Born in Ghana, Rhule qualified to represent South Africa through citizenship and showcased his talent for franchises like the Cheetahs, Stormers, and Grenoble before finding his stride at La Rochelle.