Bulls prop calls it a day

Bulls prop Frik Kirsten has retired from rugby, the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) said. Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

Bulls prop Frik Kirsten has retired from rugby, the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) said. Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

Published Dec 3, 2014

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Johannesburg – Bulls prop Frik Kirsten has retired from rugby, the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) said.

The former Junior Springbok player suffered a neck injury in March while playing his 34th match for the Bulls and underwent surgery.

Although the surgery proved successful, medical advice was for the 26-year-old player not to play rugby again.

Kirsten, who studied B.Comm (Accounting) at the University of Pretoria while playing professional rugby, graduated with an honours degree and will now pursue a career in accounting, hoping to become a chartered accountant.

BBC high performance manager Xander Janse van Rensburg said it was sad to lose a player of Kirsten's ability, but applauded the fact that the player prepared for a career after rugby while still playing.

“We continuously tell all our players, especially in our junior structures, that they should prepare themselves for situations where injuries can cut short their careers,” Janse van Rensburg said.

“Frik is a fine example of someone who continued his studies despite his rugby career and can now face the future with confidence.

“He will leave a massive gap as a player and leader, but his health is more important than anything else. We want to thank him for his contribution to the Bulls family of which he was part from schoolboy level up to Super Rugby.”

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, who picked Kirsten for the first time in 2009, thanked the player for his dedication and contribution towards the team.

“Frik was part of a great era and of the squads that won Vodacom Super Rugby and Absa Currie Cup titles,” Ludeke said.

“He was also called into the Springbok squad last year and had a great career ahead of him. It is very unfortunate to lose him now, as tighthead props are prime assets, but that is rugby and life.”

Kirsten said although he was disappointed to hang up his boots, he looked forward to his career ahead.

“It was great being part of a fantastic squad who achieved many targets and milestones,” Kirsten said.

“It is not the ideal way to end the game, but I am fully focused and prepared for the new phase of my life.” – Sapa

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