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Hero’s send-off for Juan Smith in Japan

Cape Town - Former Springbok flank Juan Smith received a hero’s send-off after playing his last professional match this past weekend.

Smith announced last week that he would retire from professional rugby and Saturday’s match for Toyota Verblitz against the Shokki Shuttles was his final appearance.

Following Verblitz’s 33-24 win, Smith was held aloft and thrown into the air by his Verblitz team-mates.

Smith also led the company song afterwards:

After spending four years at French giants Toulon, Smith was earlier this year lured to Verblitz by ex-Springbok coach Jake White.

The 36-year-old recently said he was enjoying his time in Japan and hinted at extending his contract by a season, but opted to retire due to family reasons.

Before heading to France in 2013, Smith played for the Cheetahs for nine years.

He also played 70 Tests for the Springboks between 2003 and 2014.

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