The George-born Zane Kirchner played 31 Tests, but at times he polarised opinions among Springbok fans during a period when results were rather inconsistent at national level.

What Kirchner offered was real reliability at fullback with his no frills, no fuss style of play, and between 2010 and 2013, he predominantly served as the first-choice fullback.

At domestic level, he started out his career with Griquas before settling in at the Bulls, where he won the Currie Cup in 2009, and the Super Rugby title in 2009 and 2010.

In April 2013, it was announced that Kirchner would be leaving the Bulls to join Irish team Leinster, and formed part of the squad that went on to win the Pro12 final to take the 2013–14 title.

After making almost 90 appearances for Irish giants Leinster, Kirchner also represented Welsh club Dragons and Bristol Bears in England before retiring from professional rugby in 2018.

What has Springbok Zane Kirchner been up to since retiring?

The 40-year-old has stayed involved in the game ever since retiring, having worked to set up ‘The Bookz and Bootz Foundation’, using rugby to instil the discipline and life fundamentals to work towards a better life.

“I’ve always had a dream to get back to and give back to the place I come from. I realised the best way to do this was by setting up a foundation,” stated Kirchner.

“I want to take my platform and use it to impact the communities around where I am, from a sports development perspective.

“I want them to understand the mental toughness you need to be an athlete and use that resilience in your daily life.”

Kirchner also quickly moved into coaching, serving as an assistant with the SWD Eagles in the Currie Cup Premier First Division.

At the beginning of last year, it was then confirmed that he would take over as the new head coach of the Eagles, replacing Anton Moolman.

“What rugby has done for me is something for which I will be forever grateful,” he commented.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST MEMORIES FROM HIS CAREER?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/where-is-former-springbok-zane-kirchner-now/