Injury forces former East Rand United captain to retire
Van Staden made his last appearance for United in a Carlton League match against Centurion last June.
Former East Rand United captain and loose forward Fanie van Staden has hung up his rugby boots following multiple knee surgeries.
Van Staden, 27, who led United to the 2017 Valke Peregrine League final, has taken the decision as a precautionary measure, with his well-being outweighing a continued involvement with United.
When the Advertiser asked the former skipper for his side of the story, he explained: “Firstly, my heart will always stay loyal to rugby but my body could not.
“After three knee surgeries and downtime in my personal life and work due to the injuries, I realised that SA club rugby is lacking a support structure to accommodate players who receive injuries that cause them to be away from their jobs to recover.
“I was away from work for six weeks with my last injury and I’m fortunate that I could still have a job to go back to, but I don’t believe a lot of guys have that luxury.
“That is the biggest reason why I can’t afford to play rugby again.
“The club I played for, on the other hand, was tremendously supportive and I enjoyed every moment while there, and on top of that, the community and all involved made the whole time I was there feel like a five-star experience.
“I felt professional, I looked professional and I really would love to go back but the injury part of it is what’s keeping me back.
“Doctors have said that if I suffer another injury to the knee, there won’t be much to work with and that I would suffer in the long run.”
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