'Heated conversations': SA forward to retire at 32
NEWS: South African forward Jono Ross will call time on his rugby career at the end of the 2022-23 Premiership season.
The 32-year-old, who joined Sale in 2017 and has played more than 150 games for the club, has agreed an early release from his contract in order to return to South Africa with his young family.
After signing for Sale from Stade Francais, Jono established himself as a firm favourite amongst the Sharks fans
He was subsequently awarded the club captaincy in 2018, thanks to his natural leadership capabilities, holding the position for five seasons.
Speaking ahead of his retirement, Jono reflected on his time at Sale as the most impactful of his career, but admitted the time was right to hang up his boots and return home.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙤 👊
Captain Ross has decided to call time on his fierce rugby career at the end of the season 😢.
With over 150 Sharks appearances, we cannot thank him enough for all he’s done both on and off the pitch, and wish him all the best for the future!
— Sale Sharks 🦈 (@SaleSharksRugby) April 28, 2023
“Since joining the club in 2017, Sale and Manchester have really become a home away from home for my family and I,” said Roos.
“We have absolutely loved our time at the club and living in Manchester. Both our children will have been born here so it will forever have a special place in our hearts.
“I would like to thank Simon, Michelle, Ged and Sid for their support over the years as well as the coaches at the club for putting up with me and giving me the opportunity to play the game I love in a great environment. To all of the backroom staff, physios, strength and conditioning coaches, kit men, chefs and everyone else, a huge thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into me.
“To the Sharks fans, thank you for the support over my six years here. You are all fantastic. Please keep behind the lads as you really do make a resounding difference on the pitch. It’s been a great ride and I will miss running out at the AJ Bell but at some point your body tells you when it’s time to stop, and for me that time is now.
“I am hugely excited for what’s to come next, but you can be sure I’ll be watching the boys continue to grow from a far. Hopefully in the sun with a beer in hand!”
After rising through the ranks as a youngster at the Lions alongside Francois de Klerk and Armand van der Merwe, Ross started his senior career with the Blue Bulls in 2011. He had a brief stint in Europe with Saracens at the end of that season before returning to Pretoria for another year.
In 2014, Jono left the Bulls and moved North to take up a contract with Stade Francais. He spent three years in the French capital where he would go on to win the European Challenge Cup and Top 14 in the famous pink jersey.
Following his success in Paris, Ross made a switch to the UK where he would establish himself as one of the most imposing players in the Premiership, topping the Premiership tackle count for three consecutive seasons as a Shark.
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson was full of praise for one of the Premiership’s fiercest-ever competitors.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Jono and during his time at the club, he has epitomised everything Sale Sharks stand for both on and off the pitch,” said Sanderson.
“When you get to know Jono, you realise he is a very clever bloke. Despite the levels of physicality he offers on the pitch, he’s more than just muscle. His tactical knowledge of the game is second to none and his emotional intelligence sets him apart as a player which is why he has been our captain for five consecutive seasons.
“Throughout his time at the club, Jono has used those skills to communicate on behalf of the players, often to the detriment of himself. If I’m being honest, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. We’ve had some deep and heated conversations but through mutual respect have always worked things out. I’m grateful for all those moments, both good and bad, as it’s helped me develop into a better coach over the past few seasons.
“Despite his serious demeanour, Jono always has a joke up his sleeve and is one of the nicest and most respectful guys in the game. He will be sorely missed by everyone at the Sharks. We wish him the very best for the future.”
