An explosive Springbok and two-time cup champion has been forced into early retirement by a long-term injury.

Raymond Rhule, La Rochelle’s South African speedster, has not played competitively for 10 months due to a major knee injury, and has decided to call time on his playing career, the French Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.

Declared unfit for high-level sport, Rhule is “medically obliged to put an end to his career and his maritime adventure”, the club said in a statement.

“I had to do this. I haven’t really been on the pitch for two years,” said Rhule in a video released by his club. “I’m a competitor. For me, being in a team means making a difference. So it was better for me to say stop.”

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The 32-year-old, who won the 2012 Junior World Championship alongside the likes of Steven Kitshoff and Handre Pollard, made seven appearances for the Springboks in 2017, scoring one try against Argentina, before leaving the Cheetahs to join Grenoble in 2018.

He moved to La Rochelle two years later, joining fellow Bok Dillyn Leyds, where he made 83 appearances for the club, playing in both of their Champions Cup final wins over Leinster in 2022 and 2023.

A starter in the Top 14 final defeat against Toulouse in 2023, Rhule then suffered a series of injuries, notably to his knee and Achilles, playing just two matches in a year and a half.

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Springboks Top stories: Etzebeth’s career, Pollard and Kolisi moves! – Latest

Springboks superstar Eben Etzebeth’s career has come under question given the nature of his recovery from his concussion.

Meanwhile, Bok pivot Handre Pollard and captain Siya Kolisi have both been linked with big moves.

ETZEBETH SPRINGBOKS CAREER UPDATE

In December last year, Etzebeth was ruled out of action due to a concussion.

However, two months later the Springboks veteran has still not returned to the playing field. Thus, causing concerns over his well being and his career.

Initial reports expressed reports over potential early retirement but these have been dismissed. So, Etzebeth career is not under jeopardy and he is en route to make a huge return to the Springboks and the Sharks

“The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority,”

“Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved”, The Sharks revealed in a statement.

BIG NAMES LINKED WITH BIG MOVES AS KOLISI AND POLLARD DRAW ATTENTION

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was recently linked with a move back to the Stormers.

However, the Sharks recently dismissed this claims. Moreover, the Durban-based outfit has confirmed that he will be staying at the Sharks until .

Meanwhile, Handre Pollards Leicester contract is set to expire in a few months. Given his reputation and his name, it comes as no surprise that he has a plethora of clubs lined up. The Bok flyhalf has over 10 clubs interested in signing him. This, includes a couple of SA-based outfits keen to sign Pollard.

As things stand, are the favourites to secure Pollard.

WHO DO YOU THINK POLLARD SHOULD SIGN FOR? SHOULD SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN SIYA KOLISI RETURN TO THE STORMERS AND ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE ETZEBETH