Former Springbok and Northampton Saints flank Heinrich Brussow has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.
Brussow has suffered a number of consecutive injuries since moving to the Premiership side from Japan at the beginning of 2018. Injuries have limited him to just 21 appearances for the Saints, most of them coming in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
The 33-year-old made his final appearance in the Cup win over Leicester Tigers two weeks ago, but then suffered a hamstring strain which forced him out of the Saints’ win over defending champions Saracens in the opening round of the Premiership.
‘I feel very proud to have represented a club like Saints which has such a rich history and the passionate support of Northampton behind them,’ Brussow said.
‘I came to Northampton after spending a long time in Japan, looking for a new challenge and to push myself here in England. But I have been battling injuries for some time now and I have made the very difficult decision to call time on my career.’
Brussow earned 23 caps for the Springboks and notably never lost in any of his five Test starts against the All Blacks. He helped the Springboks to a British & Irish Lions series and Tri-Nations victory in 2009, earning him the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award.
What a warrior.
A sad day at the Gardens, but also the chance to celebrate an outstanding career.
Saint #1987 | Springbok #801
Veels geluk, Heinz
— Northampton Saints (@SaintsRugby) October 23, 2019
Photo: Northampton Saints
