Well-travelled Lions lock calls time on rugby career

Lions lock forward Wilhelm van der Sluys has called time on his professional rugby career. Van de Sluys played his final game against Ulster in the United Rugby Championship last month.

“Each home game at Emirates Airline Park was special for me. I remember playing in the unfamiliar position of openside flank against the Sharks in last year’s Carling Currie Cup,” he reflected on Tuesday in announcing his retirement.

“That day the team clicked, and we gave a solid performance to beat a pretty decent Sharks outfit.”

Van der Sluys, who spent two seasons at Exeter Chiefs, says he appreciated the opportunity of playing his last game in the UK for the Lions, but most importantly, sharing the knowledge gained during his time there.

“Having spent a couple of years abroad it was quite fulfilling for me to share my experiences with the team especially on aspects such as conditions as well as the styles of play to expect in the northern hemisphere.

“To get a final run against Ulster after spending a lengthy time on the side lines due to injury was a fitting send-off at the Lions for me.”

Fondly known as “Sluysie” by his Lions team-mates, Van der Sluys says the decision to hang up his boots was a long time coming. The Maties alumni, who has an Honours degree in Management Accounting, says he’s always been curious about life after sport.

“There was always this desire for me to get involved with opportunities outside of rugby. As player you begin to realise that the older you get the more you start thinking about a life outside the four lines,” he said, stating he’d move back to Paarl where he will get involved in his family’s property business.