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Cape Town - Cheetahs centre Michael van der Spuy has retired from rugby at the age of 26.
The news was confirmed by Netwerk24 on Wednesday, who reported that the player was advised by doctors to make the decision after suffering numerous head knocks over the years.
Van der Spuy said he could count around 15 knocks to his head and that the more they happened, the longer it was taking for the symptoms to disappear.
The SuperSport Rugby Challenge match he played for the Free State XV against the Sharks XV last month would prove to be his last after he suffered yet another head knock when he collided with Sbu Nkosi.
Earlier this year there were already concerns over Van der Spuy's future when he was concussed in a pre-season clash against the Stormers in Harare.
He had seen specialists back then after sustained spells of dizziness and headaches, but eventually he was given the green light to make a return to playing.
He played for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby in March.
This time, though, the medical advice suggested that he stop playing completely, with his long-term health in mind.
A Currie Cup winner with Western Province in 2014, Van der Spuy looks set to join the Cheetahs' Under-21 coaching staff.
