Two former international players – England’s Ruaridh McConnochie and South Africa’s Louis Schreuder – will retire from playing at the end of the current season with Bath.
The 33-year-old McConnochie, who was capped twice by England and was a member of their 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, was called up by Scotland ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.
He didn’t get to play under Gregor Townsend and now, nearing the end of his seventh season with Bath where his most recent appearance came in the early April Challenge Cup win over Pau, the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist with Great Britain has announced he is finishing up as a winger for a move into coaching.
Scrum-half Schreuder, who earned his sole Springboks cap in 2017, has also confirmed his retirement at the 35. The South African came to England in 2020, spending two seasons at Newcastle before moving to Bath where his most recent appearance was in the May 10 Premiership loss to Bristol.
A statement read: “Bath can confirm that Ruaridh McConnochie and Louis Schreuder will be bringing their playing careers at the club to a close at the end of this current 2024/25 season.
“I feel very lucky to be able to make the call myself”
“McConnochie has announced he will be retiring from rugby to move into coaching after a stellar journey in the sport which has included representing England Rugby’s senior men and Team GB’s Rugby Sevens at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
“Schreuder departs having joined Bath from Newcastle in 2022. He previously played for clubs in South Africa, where he was a three-time Currie Cup winner, Japan, and France.”
McConnochie added: “I appreciate not every player can retire on their own terms and so after much thought I feel very lucky to be able to make the call myself… Thank you to Johann for keeping the faith and giving me the chance to have one more year at this incredible club filled with amazing people.
“To the teams I have played for, thank you for taking the chance on a young super fan whose dreams of playing professionally had all but gone. I’ve always tried to not take any day for granted as I know how many people would do anything to be in my shoes as a player… Bath welcomed us, and we have made this club and city our home for now and hopefully many years to come.
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“To my family and friends, who have supported me on this journey since day one, thank you for coming on this journey with me, trips across the world and having to swallow your pride when I’m wearing the wrong colour jersey. You have always backed me to make my own choices, and I’ll never forget that.”
He added: “Now into the world of coaching and education I go, with some life-changing memories and experiences to look back on.”
Schreuder said: “The last three years have been a privilege and pleasure at this club. I am grateful to have worked with so many special people and players along the way. The club is in a very good place and the best is yet to come.”
Head of rugby van Graan added: “Ruaridh is one of the best human beings I have coached. As a player, he is always diligent and always gives 100 percent regardless of the circumstances.
“Ruaridh made a massive contribution in the three years I have been at the club and will finish his playing career as a respected and valued leader.
“I have been very fortunate to coach Louis, both at Bath and with the Springboks. He is an excellent team man and has helped rebuild this club of ours since 2022.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/bath-confirm-retirement-of-respected-and-valued-ex-england-and-excellent-springboks-internationals
