South Africa captain Jean de Villiers has announced his retirement from international rugby after he was ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a broken jaw.
The 34-year-old centre sustained the injury in the Springboks' victory over Samoa on Saturday and revealed on Sunday that he would not play again for his country.
It was thought that De Villiers, who captained his national side 37 times, was always likely to retire after this autumn's tournament.
He hangs up his boots as the second most capped Springbok captain of all time, and he reflected on his career after announcing his decision.
"When I got injured yesterday and I left the field, I knew that I had played my last test for South Africa," he told reporters. "Injuries are part of rugby and I have had my fair share, so by now I know how to cope with them.
"Having played for South Africa for 13 years, I have been fortunate to experience so many great things and I got to know so many good friends, but you never think it would end like this.
"It has happened now and I will be eternally grateful for the time that I have had in the Springbok jersey. I would like to wish the team all the very best and as a former Springbok, I'm now their number one supporter. I have had a blessed career and I will be forever grateful for that."
De Villiers, who is the fourth most capped player in the history of South African rugby, will return to his homeland on Monday to possibly have surgery on his fractured jaw.
Tom Nightingale
