Sharks prop Lourens Adriaanse has announced his retirement from rugby, revealing that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. Photo: Backpagepix
Springbok prop Lourens Adriaanse retires after cancer diagnosis
Sharks prop Lourens Adriaanse has announced his retirement from rugby, revealing that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
Sharks prop Lourens Adriaanse has announced his retirement from rugby, revealing that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. Photo: Backpagepix
Sharks prop Lourens Adriaanse has announced his retirement from rugby, revealing that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
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The 34-year-old front-ranker, in a message posted by the Sharks on their Facebook page, said “it’s been a tough few months”.
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“I’ve decided that I’m going to stop playing rugby professionally. It has been a difficult decision, but it’s for me to take time and really put things into perspective for me and my family … I’ve had a good career and I would like to thank the Sharks for their support in this process,” Adriaanse said.
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Lourens Adriaanse played six Tests for the Springboks
He confirmed that he’s “close to halfway” with treatment.
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Adriaanse was born in Cape Town and educated at Paarl Gimnasium.
He made his Test debut against France in November 2013 and played his sixth and final Test against Wales three years later.
Besides stints at Griquas and the Cheetahs, he also enjoyed time at Pau in France.
He is the younger brother of fellow prop Jacobie Adriaanse.
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“To everybody who has supported me in my career, I’d like to thank you … I’m leaving something behind that I really love.
“To stop playing now is difficult.
“There will come a time for everyone in rugby when you will have to stop … and the next chapter is more important than what you’ve done.”
“You will never leave the game on your own terms,” said Adriaanse, adding that he’s excited about his next move – to do his articles for his accounting degree at Stellenbosch University next year.
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Regarding his treatment, Adriaanse said he has faced some tough days, but “I’ve been responding quite well to treatment. I believe I’m going to heal perfectly and have good life going forward.
“I’m privileged that I have great support … I can really focus on getting better and that’s the ultimate goal for me.”
The South African website wishes Adriaanse a speedy recovery.
