The President of South African Rugby, Mark Alexander, has publicly conveyed his deep appreciation for the retiring Springbok stars Ruan Pienaar and Willem Alberts, who have chosen to conclude their illustrious rugby careers after nearly four decades of dedicated service.
Pienaar, a prominent member of the World Cup-winning squad in 2007, recently participated in his final match for the Cheetahs in an SA Cup fixture, marking the culmination of an exceptional 20-year first-class career. Simultaneously, Alberts bid farewell to the game as the Lions suffered a defeat to the Stormers, effectively concluding their United Rugby Championship campaign.
Both players were highly regarded for their invaluable contributions to South African rugby and also enjoyed successful stints in Europe, with Pienaar particularly endearing himself to fans during his seven-year spell at Ulster. Collectively, the pair participated in over 800 first-class matches for various teams in South Africa and Europe, in addition to representing the Springboks at the highest level.
Pienaar made 88 appearances for his country, amassing an impressive 135 points, while Alberts earned 43 Test caps and scored seven tries. Their on-field expertise and leadership were evident, both in Test matches and non-Tests, where they provided invaluable contributions to the national team.
In acknowledgement of their enduring commitment to the sport, Alexander commended the duo, stating, “Ruan and Willem are two entirely different individuals with unique personalities, yet they shared an unwavering passion for rugby and dedicated countless years to the teams they served.”
He continued, “Together, they have contributed 39 years to the world of first-class rugby, and their ability to continue playing at 40 years old speaks volumes about their determination, passion, and love for the game. Both Ruan and Willem were exceptional servants of the Springboks, and despite facing numerous challenges, they will forever be revered as stalwarts of our game.”
Furthermore, Alexander highlighted Pienaar and Alberts’ decision to return to South Africa following their successful tenures in Europe, emphasizing their desire to give back to their homeland. He praised their mentorship of younger players and their role in providing leadership to the next generation, underscoring their character and dedication to the sport.
In conclusion, Alexander expressed his gratitude to the retiring legends, acknowledging their immense contributions to South African rugby and their embodiment of true sportsmanship and ambassadorship. He concluded, “Thank you, Ruan and Willem, for your unwavering service to rugby and to South Africa. Your decision to return to our beloved country and reinvest in the sport epitomizes your outstanding character and the exemplary men that you are.”