Former Junior Springbok skipper and Sharks loose forward George Cronje has reportedly retired from professional rugby due to persistent knee injuries.

According to Rapport, the promising 23-year-old has left the game and returned to his family farm in the Free State.

Cronje, who played a key role in the Cheetahs’ 2023 Currie Cup title victory, joined the Sharks last season.

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However, knee injuries which have plagued him for years, and have now forced him to step away from the sport permanently.

A Grey College prodigy, Cronje captained the Junior Boks in 2021, leading a squad that would later produce several Springboks, including Canan Moodie, Jordan Hendrikse, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

The post Sharks bruiser calls it quits at 23 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Src: sarugbymag.co.za