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Willem Alberts to retire as one of pro rugby's oldest players

Willem Alberts of Emirates Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Emirates Lions at The Sportsground in Galway. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Former Sprignboks back row Willem Alberts has announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of the current United Rugby Championship (URC) season. This news marks the end of an illustrious career for ‘The Bone Collector’ who has been a stalwart of South African rugby for nearly two decades.

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Alberts – known for his physicality – began his professional journey with the Lions in Super Rugby before moving to the Sharks, where he significantly bolstered their pack. The 6’4, 120kg bruiser’s impact at the Sharks was profound, helping them to become one of the most competitive teams in the league.

Over a 19-year career he earned 43 caps for the Springboks, contributing significantly to their successes on the international stage between 2010 and 2016, including their journey in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

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Alberts’ career then took him to France where he represented Stade Français in the Top 14, further cementing his reputation as a formidable force in club rugby.

Returning to the Lions for the latter part of his career, Alberts continued to demonstrate the skill and determination that had become his hallmark.

Capable of playing in the second row, Alberts hangs up his boots at the ripe old age of 39, making him one of the oldest active professional rugby players on the planet.

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1 Comment
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Tom 243 days ago

Thought he retired years ago! Bloke is an animal.

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Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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