Former Springbok Andries Bekker hangs up his boots

Former Springbok and Stormers lock Andries Bekker has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

Bekker made over 100 Super Rugby appearances for the Stormers and Western Province. 

The towering lock made his test debut for the Springboks in 2008 against Wales in Bloemfontein and earned 29 Test caps, he was also nominated for the Super Rugby Player of the Year Award that same year.

In 2013, he left the Stormers and Western Province to join Japanese side, the Kobe Kobelco Steelers. Bekker played his final match for Kobelco Steelers last weekend before announcing his retirement. 

Bekker was renowned for his excellent lineout skills and mobility around the pitch which inspired many South African locks such as Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth who paid tribute to the big man 

 

Dit was n voorreg om saam jou te speel @andriesbekker. I look up 2 you in more than 1 way! Jys n legend. #myrugbyhero #playingwithyourchildhoodhero

A post shared by Eben Etzebeth (@ebenetzebeth4) on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:04am PST