Coenie Oosthuizen in Sharks colours. (Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)
- Sharks front-ranker Coenie Oosthuizen has called it a day.
- The 35-year-old has been plagued by neck injuries in recent times.
- Oosthuizen played 30 Tests for the Springboks.
- For more rugby news, visit our dedicated section.
Springbok and Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen has been forced to call time on his professional rugby career due to injury.
The 35-year-old has been struggling with neck injuries of late.
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Oosthuizen started his professional career at the Cheetahs in 2008, before moving to the Sharks in 2016. He left South Africa in 2019 to play for Sale Sharks in England before returning for a second stint in Durban last year.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from
professional rugby. After 17 incredible years on the field, the time has
come for me to step away from the sport I love so dearly. I began my
journey with the Cheetahs and had the honour of playing for several
special clubs, including the Sharks and the Sale Sharks, before
returning to the Sharks, where my career has come to an unexpected end,” Oosthuizen said in a statement released by the Sharks.
“This decision has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make.
Unfortunately, an injury has forced me to hang up my boots earlier than I
had hoped. While this is not the ending, I envisioned, I recognise the
importance of prioritising my health so that I can be there for my
beautiful family – my amazing wife, our two wonderful daughters, and
another little one on the way. My greatest joy now will be living a full
and active life with them by my side.”
Sharks coach John Plumtree wished Oosthuizen well for the future.
“I haven’t had the privilege of coaching Coenie for more than one
season, but I am glad that I had the opportunity. He is a highly
skilful player and an excellent leader who has guided and mentored many
younger players. Above all, he is a lovely character and an asset to
have in the team. I’m sure he will make an excellent coach and wish him
and his family all the best with their future endeavours,” said Plumtree.
Oosthuizen played 30 Tests for the Springboks between 2012 and 2017.