Western Province hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has been forced to retire after being plagued by back injuries for some time now.
The 32-year-old will be returning to Bloemfontein to join up with his family and to get involved with the business.
The hooker was a mere spectator during Western Province’s 19-16 Currie Cup victory over the Lions on Saturday and although the veteran has reached some lofty heights in rugby, he was still sad not to be a part of it.
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“it is wonderful for my friends in the team, but I am really disappointed that I could not be involved,” he said.
“In 2012 I was also involved in the successful Currie Cup competition, but again it was undone by injury.
These bouts of poorly timed injuries may have scuppered some aspects of Liebenberg’s career but he will depart Cape Town as a grateful and fulfilled man.
“I am extremely grateful for the roles the likes of Allister Coetzee, Matt Proudfoot, Robbie Fleck, Steph du Toit, Greg Hechter, Rassie Erasmus, André Markgraaff, Johan van Wyk, Jacques Nienaber, Gert Smal and Rob Wagner all played in my career,” he added.
“Gert gave me ample opportunities to recover from my injuries before I was forced to retire.
Liebenberg enjoyed a brief Test career with the Springboks making five appearances in 2012 while Bismarck du Plessis was injured.
Now, he is currently getting used to the idea of a life without rugby.
“Rugby prepares you for life with its successes and disappointments along the way,” Liebenberg concluded.
“It is difficult because it take you out of your comfort zone, but there is so much you learn from the game.”