Paralysed foot forces Renaldo Bothma to retire from rugby

Former Bulls and Sharks loose forward Renaldo Bothma has announced his retirement from rugby following a knee injury he sustained in April.

The 32-year-old still had hopes to represent Namibia at next year's World Cup.

"The time has come for me to call it a day," he wrote in a farewell post shared on social media.

"I really wanted to push through and play another World Cup but I have been advised not to continue playing rugby by the doctors due to the serious knee injury I suffered back in April which has left my foot paralysed due to the nerve damage. I still need to undergo one more knee surgery as well."

Bothma earned 17 caps for Namibia and made 27 appearances for Harlequins, 14 in the Premiership.

"I would like to thank every single team member, club, doctor, physio, coach and my family for all the support over the last 13 years of my rugby career. It has been one massive journey. I was very blessed to play rugby around the globe and represent my country at a World Cup. Most of all, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to express my talents for so long.

"Rugby has given me so much and I am extremely grateful for the special moments I could share with so many people. I have learned so many things from professional sport and it has definitely helped me get botthms (his business) up and running. I will continue my journey with botthms. A lot of big things are coming soon."

My time has come! Thanks to everyone who has been part of the journey. pic.twitter.com/bOGVp3rRQe

He continued: "I also have a big passion to start raising more awareness about life after rugby and the importance of player welfare in the modern game. A lot needs to change to assist our professional athletes with their transitioning from professional