Juan de Jongh, a former center for the Springboks, has announced his 35-year retirement from professional rugby.

De Jongh has had a successful 15-year career playing in the XVs and sevens codes for Western Province, the Stormers, Wasps, and South Africa.

Bok Center passes away

On Tuesday morning, the Stormers announced the veteran’s retirement on the social networking site X, which was once known as Twitter.

“A legend of the DHL Stormers bows out. “Thank you for everything you have done for this team over the years, and best of luck in retirement, @JuanDeJongh,” the message said.

After making his Western Province debut in 2009, De Jongh went on to play for the team for two spells, winning the Currie Cup many times.

He joined the Cape-based Stormers in 2021 and played three more games to reach his century. He made his Stormers debut in 2010 and played 97 times for the team during his first spell.

After making an impression in his first Super Rugby season with the Stormers and scoring in his maiden match against Wales in 2010, the center was called up for a Test match. He would go on to represent his nation in 19 Test matches and was chosen for the 2011 Rugby World Cup team.

Additionally, he competed for South Africa in the sevens division, where he famously won a bronze medal in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

All good things…

In 2017, De Jongh relocated to England and joined Wasps, a Premiership team. He played in more than 60 games over his four seasons at Wasps, tallying 11 goals.

“This is going to be my last year of retirement; I don’t think 2024 will see me,” De Jongh stated on his podcast, “Behind the Ruck,” alongside fellow former Springbok Rudy Paige.

“Yeah, all good things come to an end, but I enjoyed it and had a long run as well, so I’m looking forward to enjoying the last couple of weeks and playing one more game.”