Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Controversial former Springbok flank Luke Watson’s rugby career has come to a grinding halt.
A spokesperson for the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) confirmed to Netwerk24 that Watson had already contacted the union a while back informing them of his retirement.
“Today is a public holiday and I’m with my family and not willing to make any comment,” Watson said when contacted on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old played 10 Tests for the Springboks between 2007 and 2008. During his career he also featured for the Junior Springboks, Sharks, Stormers/Western Province, Bath (England) and Eastern Province.
His career ended on a low note at Eastern Province though, as he hardly featured in the past few seasons due to injury.
He was also one of the players not offered a contract by SA Rugby to play for the Southern Kings in this year’s Super Rugby competition.
SA Rugby took control of the Kings’ Super Rugby franchise due to the EP Rugby Union’s financial woes.
The EPRU was liquidated last week after it had experienced financial troubles under the guidance of president Cheeky Watson, who is Luke’s father.
Luke became a Springbok in controversial fashion in 2007 when then coach Jake White was forced to include him in the team after pressure from the sports ministry.
White did not want Luke in his Springbok team but was eventually forced to include him.
Luke’s dad, Cheeky, was held in high esteem in political circles for being an anti-apartheid activist.
Watson at the time said he felt unwelcome in the Bok camp and made the infamous remark that he wanted to puke on his Springbok jersey.
