Willie le Roux says he has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon as the Springbok veteran closes in on the 100-Test milestone.
The heartbeat of the Springbok attack, Le Roux was at fullback as South Africa ended their eight-year hoodoo against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old made his Test debut back in 2013 and has won two World Cups and a Rugby Championship, but – inspired by Ruan Pienaar and Willem Alberts, who both retired this year at the age of 40 – Le Roux told Sunday newspaper Rapport that he has no plans to slow down.
“I can’t tell you it will be next year. It won’t be soon,” Le Roux told Rapport.
“I’m going to take it as it comes. I’m going to try to keep playing until they tell me to stop. I still feel good to be able to continue.
“Why can’t I do the same as Ruan and Willem? I’m going to give my best. I have a great love for the game.”
Le Roux explained that having to watch the URC final between the Vodacom Bulls and Glasgow Warriors from the sidelines – due to concussion protocol – has only fueled his fire to keep going.
“Then I realized I wasn’t ready yet (to watch rugby from the stands),” he said. “Age is just a number.”
Le Roux earned his 94th Test cap against Ireland as he closes in on becoming the latest member of the illustrious Springbok centurions club.
However, he isn’t allowing himself to start thinking about any milestones.
“I could get injured next week, then I won’t play. You still need to perform well to put yourself in a position to achieve milestones. I play for the team.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
The post Willie fired up to keep jolling for Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
