2012 Junior Springbok skipper retires: What happened to the rest of that title-winning team?

Wiaan Liebenberg was the last Junior Springbok captain to lift the Under-20 World Championship trophy back in 2012 after they memorably beat the All Blacks 21-16 in the final at Newlands.

It's little wonder then that the 29-year-old's announcement that he'll retire at the end of the current season elicited a fair bit of attention.

In fact, Liebenberg's decision is another chapter in what is now becoming a complicated legacy for Dawie Theron's successful vintage.

While various members of that 31-man squad have become very accomplished players, no less than 10 have now retired prematurely to illustrate vividly again that there are no guarantees in the professional game.

Sport24 takes a look at what has become of team's members.

15 - DILLYN LEYDS

The utility back, known for his ability to deliver some dazzling moments, became a Stormers stalwart and played 10 Tests for the Springboks. 

He's currently a valued member of French giants La Rochelle, whom he joined in 2020.

14 - RAYMOND RHULE

Despite polarising opinion on whether he was good enough to play for the Springboks in seven Tests, the silky winger was a highly reliable performer at Super Rugby level for the Cheetahs and Stormers.

After moving to Grenoble in France in mid-2018, Rhule brilliantly resurrected his career, earning a move to La Rochelle and becoming a key player for the club.

13 - KOBUS VAN WYK

Pressed into service for the 2012 final because of injuries to others despite having made no previous appearances in the tournament, Van Wyk has forged a reputation as a solid player at franchise level.

He was reliable for both the Stormers and Sharks, but showcased a pleasingly refined side to his game when he was unexpectedly handed a contract by the Hurricanes to play in Super