Rugby: Former Bok flanker Jean Deysel announces retirement

Former Sharks and Lions loose forward Jean Deysel has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 33-year-old – who has been playing for Irish outfit Ulster in the Pro14 revealed that the current season will be his last, closing out a career that has spanned over a decade.

Jean Deysel announces retirement

He said in a statement;

“Looking back over the last 15 years, there were some highs, some lows, a good couple of laughs, and a few tears as well, but the thing that made the journey worthwhile is the people I met along the way.

“2018 will be the end of my rugby career, but also the start of a new journey off the field.

“I would like to firstly thank the Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me with the ability to play and then secondly my family and close friends, the Lions and Sharks franchises, teammates and coaches over the past 15 years for their support, encouragement and motivation.”

Jean Deysel made his Currie Cup debut for the Golden Lions before trekking to the coast to join the Sharks winning three titles ahead of his move to Japan where he turned out for Toyota Verblitz in 2014.

The backrower had a short stint at Munster, later joining up with rivals Ulster in 2017 after signing a two-year deal with the province.

Deysel also earned four caps for the Springboks, making his Test debut on 21 November 2009 against Italy in Udine, with his last appearance in the green and gold coming on two years later in a 9-14 defeat to the Wallabies in Durban.

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