Thank you very much, Frans!

Thank you very much, Frans!

Henry
Henry Walsh

When you type “Frans Steyn” into YouTube’s search function, there are a bunch of videos that contain highlights of the popular South African’s rugby career.

From monstrous set-piece attempts (we’re talking spear-leg missiles from 55m and beyond here), power runs and, of course, two World Cup winners’ medals.

But now – a few weeks after he celebrated his 36th birthday – the popular Steyn has announced his retirement.

The rugby veteran has been struggling for some time with a knee injury that not only kept him on the sidelines for the Cheetahs, but also thwarted the dream of a fourth World Cup tournament.

Steyn said in a short statement on social media on Tuesday evening that it was very difficult for him to say goodbye; After all, rugby is an inseparable part of his life.

“If I have to be honest, this is not quite how I visualized the end of my rugby journey. Every player would like to say goodbye to the game on his own terms, but I am privileged to have been able to play for so long and I am incredibly grateful for the path I have been able to walk,” he says.

Steyn made his Springbok debut against Ireland in Dublin on 11 November 2006.

Although South Africa lost the test 32 – 15, he made his mark on the international stage with a good try. In his next Test, against England at Twickenham, he was spot on with a drop kick.

Local and international teams soon learned that they could not afford to concede penalties when Steyn was on the field: He made 60m the new 35m.

In addition to his World Cup success, in 2007 and 2019, in 2021 he became the first South African to play international rugby for 15 years, while he also played with the British and Irish Lions.

His rugby path made pit stops at the Sharks, Racing92, Toshiba Brave Lupus and Montpellier before ending his career in the Free State.

A Gray College man is all too aware of where his roots lie.

“I gave my best and I don’t regret anything. I look forward to my next chapter and I would like to plow back into the game that has given me so much.”

Thank you very much, Frans.

  • Steyn represented the Springboks in 78 tests and he scored 165 points in the green and gold.
  • His last Test was on 24 September 2022 against Argentina at Kingspark in Durban. He then ran out on flyhalf.

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