Springbok Francois Louw Announces International Retirement

South Africa loose-forward Francois Louw – affectionately known as ‘Flo’ – confirmed his retirement from an outstanding career in international rugby on Sunday, the second of the Springboks’ World Cup-winning side to call time on their careers in the green and gold.

Louw (34), who came off the replacement bench for captain Siya Kolisi in the 32-12 victory over England in the World Cup decider on Nov. 2, won 76 test caps having made his debut in 2010. In all, he appeared in three Rugby World Cup tournaments.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling career with the Springboks and I bow out with a full heart,” he said in a media release from South Africa Rugby.

“I’ve had an amazing journey in international rugby. I’ve made friends for life in the game and created incredible memories with great people.

“To end it as part of the Springbok Trophy Tour and see the joy and excitement we have brought to people’s lives is an incredible way to bow out.”

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus was full of praise for the contribution of the Bath loose-forward to their World Cup campaign.

“Flo was a real warrior of the back row. He was always ready to go where the fire was hottest and was the kind of tough-minded character that you’d always want beside you,” Erasmus said.

“He has been a tremendous servant of South African rugby and we’re losing a lot with his retirement, not just in how he played, but in the calmness, insight and character that he brought to the group.”

Flo won his first cap as a flanker under Peter de Villiers against Wales in 2010 and went on to be selected by each of the subsequent three coaches, whilst being based overseas with English club Bath, for whom he is in his ninth season.

He scored an impressive 10 Test tries – the last of them against Namibia in this year’s Rugby World Cup – and was a key member of the 2019 ‘Bomb Squad’ coming on at crucial times either at the back of the scrum or at flank.

Louw was born in Cape Town to a rugby family – his grandfather, Jan Pickard, was a Springbok and a former president of Western Province. He attended Bishops school and graduated through the ranks of Western Province to make his senior professional debut in 2006.

He made 53 Vodacom Super Rugby appearances for the DHL Stormers – including an appearance in the 2010 Final – before pursuing his career in England.

Louw’s retirement follows that of prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, who won the last of his 117 caps in the World Cup final.

(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Hugh Lawson)