Gurthro calls time on Bok career

Toulouse - South Africa loosehead prop Gurthro Steenkamp on Friday called time on his international career with the Springboks after 53 caps.

"After a very long period of reflection and consideration, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from international rugby," said the 33-year-old Steenkamp, who plays his club rugby with French Top 14 giants Toulouse.

"It was a huge privilege and an honour to represent my country," he said. "I have come to realise that I have had an amazing career and that it's now time for me to step down and allow the young guns to make their mark."

Steenkamp, who won his first cap in 2004 against Scotland, has been with Toulouse since 2011 and has a contract which runs through until 2016.