Lions flanker Ruhan Straeuli suffers career ending injury

Lions loose forward Ruhan Straeuli has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 26 after suffering a career-ending neck injury.

Straeuli underwent surgery in March but it was not enough to save career. The 6’4, 112kg back-rower confirmed the news in a statement released by the Lions.

“Unfortunately, the playing chapter of my rugby career has ended sooner than expected,” he said. “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to give my all for the city of Joburg.”

Straeuli joined the Lions on trial in September 2020 and was named in the squad to face the Pumas in a pre-season friendly at Ellis Park. He went on to make 47 appearances for the franchise, scoring eight tries across the Currie Cup (23 matches), United Rugby Championship (15), Challenge Cup (6) and three friendlies.

Straeuli is the son of 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Rudolf Straeuli; the Lions’ CEO. Before joining the Johannesburg-based franchise, he represented Stellenbosch University in the Varsity Cup and played schoolboy rugby at Glenwood High and Menlopark. He featured for the Blue Bulls’ Under-18 Academy side.

United Rugby Championship

P

W

L

D

PF

PA

PD

BP T

BP-7

BP

Total

1

Leinster

16

14

2

0

67

2

Glasgow

16

11

5

0

59

3

Bulls

16

12

4

0

58

4

Sharks

16

11

5

0

53

5

Cardiff Rugby

16

8

7

1

46

6

Stormers

16

8

8

0

45

7

Scarlets

16

8

7

1

43

8

Benetton

16

8

7

1

41

9

Munster

16

7

9

0

41

10

Edinburgh

16

6

9

1

39

11

Ospreys

16

7

8

1

38

12

Ulster

16

7

9

0

38

13

Lions

16

7

9

0

35

14

Connacht

16

5

11

0

35

15

Zebre

16

5

10

1

29

16

Dragons RFC

16

1

15

0

9