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Rugby Union

Springbok Skinstad retires

07/11/2007

Former South Africa captain Bobby Skinstad has announced his retirement from professional rugby union after helping his side win the Rugby World Cup.

The 31-year-old back-row forward was something of a surprise inclusion in the squad for the 2007 tournament but following an injury to regular number eight Pierre Spies, he became an integral part of the team.

The Springboks won the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time in Paris after defeating former champions England 15-6 in the final.

And Skinstad said the experience "will forever be among the most special in Springbok history".

"I feel honoured to have been a part of an amazing group of people and thank you for believing that I had a role to play, whether it was on the field or in a support role within the squad dynamic," he said.

"Rugby has given me many privileges, of which the greatest has been experiencing the camaraderie of team-mates and the affection of supporters, in South Africa and abroad."

Skinstad confirmed he had been offered deals to continue as a club player, both in Europe and in South Africa, but said he would now look at off-the-field opportunities to remain involved in the sport.

"I know the time is right to say goodbye as a player," he added.

"But I will never lose the spirit of rugby and I know that I will continue an involvement in the game in some or other form."