South Africa's most-capped player Percy Montgomery has confirmed his playing days are officially over.
Veteran South African decides to hang up his boots
Percy Montgomery, the most-capped Springbok in history, confirmed on Monday that his playing days are officially over.
Montgomery, who played 102 Tests and retired from international rugby after last year's Tri-Nations tournament, will join the Springbok management as kicking consultant in June.
"I always planned to retire after this year's Super 14," he said.
"After my retirement from international rugby, I made myself available for the Stormers this season in the knowledge that I would play a back-up role.
"I am now looking forward to working as kicking consultant to the Boks, but this is the end for me as a player."
Opportunities
Montgomery added that rugby had given him many opportunities and cited the Springboks' World Cup win in 2007, Tri-Nations victories in 1998 and 2004, and the Currie Cup titles won with Western Province amongst his greatest memories.
"I was given many opportunities to fulfill my dreams and ambitions and there are many people that inspired me along the way. They are too many to mention but I wish to thank them all for putting their faith in me," Montgomery said.
He played over 300 first-class matches during his 13-year career and was one of the most-capped internationals to play for the Barbarians, for whom he appeared 10 times.
Ironically, his international career as a player - as with his role as a member of South Africa management - started against the British & Irish Lions in Durban.
"Rugby has been very good to me and now is my time to give back to rugby," he concluded.
