Retired Springbok centre De Jongh moves into Stormers coaching structures

Springbok Juan de Jongh, who announced his retirement from rugby on Tuesday, will remain in the Stormers structures as a coach with the Western Province pathway teams and players. 

The 35-year-old centre, who played 19 Test matches for his country from 2009 to 2016, will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport. 

The news was confirmed to News24 by Stormers head coach John Dobson, currently preparing for Friday night's URC clash against Cardiff in Wales. 

De Jongh has also branched out into the media game, where he has a regular rugby podcast with former Bok team-mate Rudy Paige called Behind the Ruck.

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"We're very pleased that there is an opportunity for him to stay in the system and move into coaching," Dobson told News24 this week.

"In some ways we would have wanted the romantic finish with him on the field, but it was not to be."

Dobson heaped praise on De Jongh's contribution to Stormers and South African rugby. 

"He is an icon to the community of rugby in the Western Cape and a really good Springbok," said the coach. 

"He's done remarkably well for us and played brilliantly for Wasps in a cracker backline, so he's a real leader and a lot of people look up to him.

"He's going to make an impact beyond just playing now both in the media and his coaching. He's always positive, energised and professional and completely understands who we're playing for. He has a great connection with the people and the fans.

"He's going to be missed, but we're thrilled we're keeping him here and I have no doubt he will have a huge role to play in inspiring the next generation of Stormers."

De Jongh is also an Olympic bronze medalist, having formed part of the Blitzboks side that finished third in Rio in