Another Springbok 10 forced to retire – Huge Rugby News

South African rugby has suffered major blows during recent weeks. Just weeks ago, Pat Lambie was forced to retire from the game after being advised to do so by doctors.

Now it has emerged that former Springboks and Western Force flyhalf Peter Grant has also been forced to retire from competitive rugby. The 34-year-old Grant was advised to hang up his boots after receiving advice from specialists with regards to his past head injuries.

 

 

 

 

 

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My season as a professional Rugby player has come to an end and I need to say goodbye to this great game that has been my life and that I absolutely love. Unfortunately it’s not on my own terms, but I’m no spring chicken so I can accept that my time wasn’t too far round the bend. It’s been a tough pill to swallow, but looking back there’s so much to be thankful for and I am now getting excited for what lies ahead. I just want to thank our Lord for blessing me with this season in my life, for being with me every step of the way. Thank you to my beautiful wife, for believing in me, supporting me through thick and thin, and bringing the best out of me. I couldn’t have wished for a better teammate to tackle life. Thanks to my kids, Nova, John and Luke, for being my biggest fans and giving me such purpose and strength. And keeping me extra fit!! To my family and friends who have followed me over the years, thank you for all your support and constructive criticism. Mom and Dad, thanks for putting a rugby ball in my hands. Thanks to all my teammates who I have shared the field with and have helped create so many memories. And to all you legends I’ve played against, it was a real fight out on the pitch, but I’m going to miss those post match beers for sure. Thank you to all my coaches, medical staff and team management. You have all played a pivotal role in my growth as a player, and a person and I am grateful for the wonderful friendships we have developed. And last but not least. A huge thank you to my faithful fans and loyal sponsors. From Cape Town, to Kobe, to La Rochelle and to Perth. You guys have been awesome! I am really going to miss the thrill of kicking a conversion from the corner, making that final pass, that crunching tackle on the advantage line at the back of the line out, running out under the lights to the sound of a full house and finally seeing the joy on your faces af
ter the final whistle. Thank you, Arigato gozaimashita, Merci beaucoup, Cheers.

A post shared by Peter Grant (@petergrant10) on Jan 30, 2025 at 4:17am PST

Grant is sad to be bidding the game farewell earlier than he would have expected. However, he is also excited to be getting the opportunity to spend more time with his family.

“There is a lot of excitement because now I get to go to the games and watch it with my kids though it’s going to be a challenge. It is also going to be a big change and I am excited for that,”  he said.

“But initially it was shock and then disappointment and uncertainty because this is all I know, and I was really getting geared up for another season. You go through the phases and there is a lot of emotion about that.”

During his career, Grant turned out for the likes of Western Province, Stormers, Kobelco Steelers, La Rochelle, Western Force and Perth Spirit.

He also represented South Africa Schools, South Africa U-19, Barbarians, Emerging Springboks and earned five caps for the Springboks between 2007-08.