La Rochelle Confirms Rhule’s Retirement After Medical Assessment
Former South African international and La Rochelle centre Raymond Rhule has announced his retirement from rugby after a prolonged battle with injuries. The French Top 14 club confirmed on Tuesday that Rhule, who has not played competitively for 10 months due to a knee injury, has been declared unfit for high-level sport.
In a statement, the club said Rhule was "medically obliged to put an end to his career and his maritime adventure."
Rhule’s Decision to Step Away from the Game
Rhule, 32, addressed his retirement in a heartfelt video shared by La Rochelle.
"I had to do this. I haven't really been on the pitch for two years," Rhule said. "I'm a competitor. For me, being in a team means making a difference. So it was better for me to say stop."
His decision comes after a series of injuries, including issues with his Achilles and knee, which limited him to just two matches over the past 18 months.
A Career Marked by Success in South Africa and France
- Springbok Stint: Rhule made his South Africa debut in 2016 and earned seven caps, scoring one try against Argentina.
- Club Journey: After leaving the Cheetahs in 2018, he moved to Grenoble, before joining La Rochelle in 2020.
- European Glory: He played a key role in La Rochelle's back-to-back Champions Cup triumphs over Leinster in 2022 (where he scored an early try) and 2023.
- Final Appearances: Rhule started in the 2023 Top 14 final loss to Toulouse, marking one of his last major matches before injuries derailed his career.
Despite his early retirement, Rhule leaves behind a legacy of dynamic attacking play, European success, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
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