South African-born French international calls it quits
NEWS: A former Junior Springbok and France international forward announced his retirement from all forms of rugby with immediate effect.
Lock Paul Willemse confirmed that he will hang up his boots after a frustrating period on the sidelines with injury.
The 2012 Junior World Championship winner with South Africa qualified to represent Le Bleus through World Rugby’s residency rules of staying and playing for three years at the time.
Willemse joined Grenoble in 2014 before moving to Montpellier a year later, where he became a cult hero, representing the side on 156 occasions, scoring 34 tries in the process.
He made his debut for France in 2019 and represented his adopted nation on 32 occasions.
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Élément essentiel du Grand Chelem des Bleus en 2022, Paul Willemse est contraint de mettre un terme à sa carrière.
Bonne continuation, Paul 🧡 #SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/VuHmwrqsYW
— Six Nations (FR) (@SixNations_FR) September 15, 2025
Willemse shared a heartfelt message on social media announcing his retirement from the game.
“After many years in the field, it is time to close this chapter.
“Rugby was not just my career, it was my only dream, my whole life. Choosing to stop has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made.
“For a long time, I tried to hold on, because when you’ve lived one dream, it’s frightening to imagine life beyond it. But I’ve come to accept it, and even find comfort.
“I thank the coaches who believed in me, especially those who shaped me as a young man.
“I thank my family, above all my wife, for walking every step of this road with me. And to the supporters who have followed me from South Africa to France. I carry your voices with me.
“The victories, the struggles, the lessons, I wouldn’t change any of it. It made me the man I am today.
“One dream ends, but the man it shaped remains.”
