Bok, Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen retires due to injury

Springbok and Sharks prop Coenie Oosthuizen has been forced to call time on his professional rugby career due to injury.

The 35-year-old has been struggling with neck injuries of late.

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Oosthuizen started his professional career at the Cheetahs in 2008, before moving to the Sharks in 2016. He left South Africa in 2019 to play for Sale Sharks in England before returning for a second stint in Durban last year.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional rugby. After 17 incredible years on the field, the time has come for me to step away from the sport I love so dearly. I began my journey with the Cheetahs and had the honour of playing for several special clubs, including the Sharks and the Sale Sharks, before returning to the Sharks, where my career has come to an unexpected end," Oosthuizen said in a statement released by the Sharks.

"This decision has been one of the hardest I've ever had to make. Unfortunately, an injury has forced me to hang up my boots earlier than I had hoped. While this is not the ending, I envisioned, I recognise the importance of prioritising my health so that I can be there for my beautiful family - my amazing wife, our two wonderful daughters, and another little one on the way. My greatest joy now will be living a full and active life with them by my side."

Thank you, Coenie, for everything you have given to the game and The Sharks????“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional rugby”…Read full article here https://t.co/ZnEtj3G7it pic.twitter.com/2jnlqxiDXC

Sharks coach John Plumtree wished Oosthuizen well for the future.

"I haven't had the privilege of