News

Monty calls time on Test career

August 30 2008

South Africa legend Percy Montgomery has announced his retirement from the Test stage, calling time following his side's 53-8 victory over Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday.

But the 34-year-old, who won his 100th cap at Newlands against the All Blacks two weeks ago, will still be available for the rest of the Currie Cup season and also for the Stormers next year.

"It's been a privilege to play for my country and I am blessed that I could do that," said Montgomery.

He has often been asked why he carried on after the high of winning the World Cup with the Springboks in 2007, and the 102-Test stalwart gave his definite answer to reporters in Johannesburg.

"Putting on the Bok jersey is always a high, and that happened eight times this year," he said.

Asked when he had decided to retire, Montgomery said that the decision had been coming for some time.

"After today's win, I felt it was the right time," he said.

The most important reason that prompted his retirement was to spend more time with his family and to be with his children as they grow up, he said.

Montgomery, who made his Test debut against the British & Irish Lions in 1997, holds virtually every Test record for the Springboks.

Andy Marinos, manager of national teams, thanked Montgomery on behalf of SA Rugby and the Springbok team for his contribution over the years.

"He has been a credit to the country, his family and his team mates. We wish him well," said Marinos.