Blitzboks legend Du Preez calls it a day in sevens rugby

Blitzboks legend Branco du Preez has called time on his international sevens career.

The 32-year-old, who made his Springbok Sevens debut in Wellington in 2010, is South Africa's most-capped sevens player.

According to an SA Rugby statement, Du Preez made the decision to retire after last weekend's Cape Town Sevens, where he represented South Africa in his 85th World Rugby Sevens Series tournament.

It's a record for the Blitzboks and places him eighth overall in the history of the World Series.

The playmaker played 431 matches for the Blitzboks and scored 1 447 points, including 101 tries, a career-high 468 conversions and a drop goal.

He won 24 tournaments with the team and three World Series gold medals, while he also boasts a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

The 468 conversions, a Blitzbok record, is the fifth most in World Series history and his 431 matches is fourth on the all-time list.

What a career. What a player. What a guy. @brancodupreez #BlitzIgnite pic.twitter.com/En9DhHFjVT

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"My time has come to turn a new page and say goodbye to the Blitzboks team," said Du Preez.

"I am sad to leave but excited about what is to come! I cannot thank this team enough for all of the lessons - every win and loss. Every trial and triumph we've faced has shaped me into the player that I am today.

"I'd like to thank SA Rugby and my former head coaches, Paul Treu and Neil Powell, for giving me the opportunity to represent my country. Thank you to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, which has been a second home to me and, of course, my team-mates, current and former. I wish the current team all of the best in the forthcoming tournaments."

Du Preez said