Rugby fraternity salutes 'World-class' Bok
REACTION: South Africa Rugby World Cup winner JP Pietersen announced his retirement on Friday at the age of 34.
Pietersen, who played mostly as a wing, made 70 Springbok appearances scoring 24 tries. He appeared in three World Cups, collecting a winner’s medal at the first, in 2007.
He started and ended his career with the Durban-based Sharks and had stints in Japan and with Leicester Tigers and Toulon in Europe.
JP Pietersen has called time on an illustrious rugby playing career that has spanned 16 years. Having played over 180 games for the Cell C Sharks, he bows out having achieved more than he ever dreamed off.🦈
Full article link : https://t.co/VjNEUwgv66#OurSharkForever pic.twitter.com/oSZebZnq4l
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) February 5, 2021
He announced his retirement on social media, saying he was grateful for “such a long career that has unfolded beyond my wildest dreams.”
“Rugby has changed my life for the better and I will be forever grateful for what this game has done for me.”
“It will take a while for all of this to sink in, but I’m so fortunate to have been able to represent my country.”
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Former teammates and opponents quickly responded on Twitter and Instagram.
“Legend,” posted Springboks Jesse Kriel and Jean-Luc du Preez and former Toulon teammate and France captain Mathieu Bastareaud.
“World class,” wrote another Springbok, Warrick Gelant.
“Honoured to have played alongside you,” posted former France centre Maxime Mermoz, who overlapped with Pietersen at Toulon. “Your happiness is contagious!”
“Congrats on an epic career,” wrote England international Freddie Burns, a teammate at the Tigers.
“Well done on a great haul,” said South African born les Bleus scrum-half Rory Kockott, a former Sharks teammate.
World Rugby also paid tribute to the Springbok wing.
Congratulations to @jppietersen14 as he calls time on an amazing 16 year career. Bows out as one of @Springboks finest wingers and a @rugbyworldcup winner! 👏🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/O6fj6PA3JX
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) February 5, 2021
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Congratulations on a successful career toko. All the best ! Legend ✊🏾🙌🏾 @jppietersen14 https://t.co/ki23imRZLa
— Malakai Fekitoa (@MalakaiFekitoa) February 5, 2021
Amazing career @jppietersen14
Well done brother..
Ps I broke this tackle…I think 😂🃏
Bravo sir 🎩 pic.twitter.com/A64ExiBo5k— Simon Zebo (@SimonZebo) February 5, 2021
