Cape Town - Springbok centre Jaque Fourie has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 31-year-old, who was recently linked with a move to the Sharks for the 2015 season, has decided to stay in Japan rather than return to South Africa in a bid to earn selection for the Springboks' Rugby World Cup squad.
"I thought long and hard about my career status and decided to focus on my career at the Kobelco Steelers rather than make myself available for international rugby,' Fourie told Netwerk24 through his agents, unionsportsmag.co.za.
"It was a difficult decision to retire from international rugby, but I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me and my family."
The former Golden Lions and Western Province player played 72 Tests for the Springboks after making his debut against Uruguay at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
His last Test was against France in Paris in November 2013.
The 31-year-old, who was recently linked with a move to the Sharks for the 2015 season, has decided to stay in Japan rather than return to South Africa in a bid to earn selection for the Springboks' Rugby World Cup squad.
"I thought long and hard about my career status and decided to focus on my career at the Kobelco Steelers rather than make myself available for international rugby,' Fourie told Netwerk24 through his agents, unionsportsmag.co.za.
"It was a difficult decision to retire from international rugby, but I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me and my family."
The former Golden Lions and Western Province player played 72 Tests for the Springboks after making his debut against Uruguay at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
His last Test was against France in Paris in November 2013.