Werner Kruger calls time on 16-year career

Scarlets prop Werner Kruger will retire from the game at the current season’s conclusion.

The South African boasts four Springbok caps and 122 for the Welsh club, having joined them five years ago.

Kruger turned 36 in January and feels it is time to hang up the boots.

“You hear the statement ‘you know when you know’ and you never really understand until it comes across your path,” he said.

“I feel very privileged and very blessed to have been able to have played this game that we love for the past 16-plus years.

“Rugby has been a passion of mine from being a young kid growing up, dreaming of playing for the Springboks and it has been a real privilege to have played for so long.

“All glory to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ for giving me the ability and keeping my body, mind and spirit whole. When you are in it you don’t really realise the sense of achievement going from game to game; when you are at the end and take stock you feel really grateful to have been able to play as many games as I have.

“A special thank you to my family for their unwavering support and commitment.”

Kruger began his professional career with the Bulls in Pretoria in 2003, calling Loftus Versveld his home-ground until 2015 when he made the move to Wales and was part of the Scarlets side that won the 2016-2017 Pro12 competition.

“It could not have started better for me, going on that winning run and then winning the title in Dublin against Munster. That entire season is a massive highlight for me. The La Rochelle European quarter-final and seeing Parc y Scarlets packed out was also something special.

“I have loved every minute of my time here. I just want to say a thank you to the Scarlets family and the supporters who came out week after week; and even now supporting from home, each and every one of them has made our time here as a family extra special. To every one of my coaches, team-mates, opponents, management, medical teams, supporters, sponsors, from the start of my career, thank you. You have all played a massive part in my career and growth and I will always be grateful for that.

“I have been privileged in my career to have been involved in some great squads. Winning two Super Rugby finals back-to-back with the Bulls was a massive honour and of course representing the Springboks and making my debut against Australia in Sydney is something I will never forget.”

Kruger plans to head back to South Africa and begin a career in financial planning.