Bryan Habana shocked the rugby world when he announced his retirement from the game on Tuesday, much as the news could have been expected as the 2007 IRB Player of the Year had been sidelined with a knee injury for much of the past year.
Habana ends his international career with 124 caps for South Africa, having played at the 2007, 2011, and 2015 Rugby World Cup tournaments. He is the second-highest try-scorer in international rugby, with 67 tries.
Read below how the rugby world responded to the Springboks legend's news.
SA Rugby President, Mr Mark Alexander, on Tuesday said record-breaking Springbok wing @BryanHabana, 34, who announced his retirement from the game at the end of the European season, is "one of the greatest South African sportsmen of all time". pic.twitter.com/EhHHI8zXwn
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) April 24, 2018
As @bryanhabana announces his retirement, we look back at some of his finest Rugby World Cup scores. Go well Bryan! pic.twitter.com/EgvIBB6lQH
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) April 24, 2018
Had the pleasure of interviewing @BryanHabana many times over the years. His brilliance on the pitch has always been matched by his humility and time for others off it... a true gent.
— Martin Cross (@MartinXRugby) April 24, 2018
🙏 @BryanHabana
— #RugbyToulon (@rugbytoulon_) April 24, 2018
Thanks for the memories, moments & milestones.
For all you gave to 🌍🏉 & Toulon.
Best wishes for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/faoDu67tEu
A great guy on and off the field....
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) April 24, 2018
One of the best players we've ever faced, best of luck in retirement @BryanHabana! pic.twitter.com/Gx6fuOUafQ
Congrats bud on a great career 👊🏼
— Mark Cueto (@Mark_Cueto) April 24, 2018
Habbsy!! What a pleasure it was to not only play against you, to play alongside you but to also get to know you off the field.
— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) April 24, 2018
One of the greats of our game but also a genuinely good bloke!
Catch you soon mate, I'll have a beer and you can have your standard Malibu pineapple 😂 pic.twitter.com/O3Yo2TAXor
Legendary innings my mate, I watched a young boy become a South Africa icon. Congrats brother and good luck!!! What an incredible ambassador you have been for SA, oh yes and thanks for scoring all those tries!!!😜
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) April 24, 2018
Thanks for the memories, @BryanHabana! pic.twitter.com/7pkfIFbYnp
— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) April 24, 2018
As he announces his retirement, here's @bryanhabana's first try for the @blitzboks back at the #USA7s in 2016! pic.twitter.com/6c6SG7yhTl
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 24, 2018
Wishing @BryanHabana all the best as he tackles his next adventure in life post-rugby. Know you'll be a success in whatever u do. You've been an amazing inspiration on and off the field! Thank you for the memories! ✨🏆🏉 Go Well!
— Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) April 24, 2018
@BryanHabana Dankie vir al die Great moments,Geniet die volgende Chapter! pic.twitter.com/hRSD2vicFN
— André Venter (@andreonstage1) April 24, 2018