24/02/2002

Former South Africa captain Andre Vos announced his retirement from international rugby on Sunday at the age of 27. "After much thought and consultation with my wife, Caroline, and my family, I made an appointment with (SA Rugby Football Union chief executive) Rian Oberholzer to discuss my retirement from international rugby," Vos said in a statement. "It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to the Springbok jersey but I am at peace with the decision that I have made."

The flanker made his South Africa debut against Italy in played 1999 and played 33 internationals. Vos was controversially sacked as Springbok captain and number eight last year in favour of Bobby Skinstad by former coach Harry Viljoen.

He later returned to the team on the flank and captained South Africa in place of the injured Skinstad in their 43-20 win over the United States in Houston last December, his last test match. Vos cited the physical demands of modern international rugby and the strain the time spent away from home placed on his family life as the reasons for his decision. "My body has taken a hammering over the past few years and I'm not convinced that I will be able to perform at a level that will satisfy my personal expectations and standards over the next two years leading up to the World Cup,"

Vos said. "The international itinerary results in players being away from home for up to six months of the year." Vos hopes to continue playing in the Super 12 competition for his team the Cats when he recovers from injury, though recent press reports have linked him with a move to an English club.