South Africa hooker Schalk Brits announced his retirement from all forms of rugby on Wednesday, the second time the 38-year-old has brought down the curtain on his career.
Brits retired in May 2018 after leaving Saracens but was lured back by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus and helped them lift the Rugby World Cup in Japan this month, ending his international career with 15 caps over an 11-year period.
“Schalk was an invaluable member of our squad and someone who not only lifted the spirit amongst the players, but set an example with his professionalism and superb work-rate throughout the last two seasons,” Erasmus said in a statement.
“He came in with one goal in mind and that was to make the Springboks successful, putting aside his own ambitions and selflessly working for the greater good of the team, as player and mentor to younger squad members.
“To say Schalk is a team player would be underestimating the massive role he played in our success, and for that I can only thank him.”
Brits began his career in 2002 at Western Province, going on to have spells at Bulls, Stormers, Golden Lions and Saracens.