Cape Town - Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane has decided to close the curtain on his illustrious career at the end of the 2017 season.
Ndungane, 36, will be honoured in a 'tribute' match when the Sharks take on Western Province in Saturday's final pool game of the Currie Cup tournament in Durban.
The former Springbok joined the Sharks in 2005 from the Blue Bulls, and since then he has become an integral part of the team playing over 100 Super Rugby and Currie Cup games for the Sharks.
"Odwa Ndungane epitomises what it means to be a professional rugby player and over the years his dedication, loyalty and contribution to the team remained unwavering," Sharks coach Robert du Preez told the franchise's official website.
"It is fitting that we honour a player that has given so much to the game and those around him with a tribute match that will highlight his tremendous career.
"We encourage our fans to come through to Kings Park on Saturday to celebrate and acknowledge the massive impact he has made during his distinguished career," said Du Preez.
Ndungane has played nine Tests for the Springboks and was part of the 2011 World Cup squad where he featured in a pool encounter against Fiji.
The Sharks are currently on top of the Currie Cup standings and are favoured to go all the way as a home semi-final victory would secure a final at Kings Park.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 15:00.
After more than a decade of service to the @CellC Sharks, Odwa Ndungane,closes the curtain on his illustrious career.https://t.co/sPWySUvEX9 pic.twitter.com/HM7cKup8PE
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) October 9, 2017