Former Munster star forced to retire from rugby

FORMER Munster forward Jean Deysel has been forced to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Munster signed South African back-row Jean Deysel on a three-month contract in March 2017 as injury cover for Dave Foley and Jean Kleyn.

Deysel made six appearances for Munster over the remainder of the season, including featuring in the European Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Saracens at the Aviva Stadium before moving on to Ulster.

Thirtyy three-year-old Deysel, who won four caps for the Springboks, also  had stints with the Lions and the Sharks in his homeland, as well as short spells with Toyota Verblitz in Japan.

Jean Deysel said: “Looking back over the last 15 years, there were some highs, some lows, a good couple of laughs, and a few tears as well, but the thing that made the journey worthwhile is the people I met along the way.

“2018 will be the end of my rugby career, but also the start of a new journey off the field.

“I would like to firstly thank the Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me with the ability to play and then secondly my family and close friends, the Lions and Sharks franchises, teammates and coaches over the past 15 years for their support, encouragement and motivation.”