Former Springbok outhalf Henry Honiball is set to retire from rugby due to injury and return home to South Africa to his cattle ranch near Durban, it was revealed yesterday. The 34-year-old, nicknamed "Lem", which means "The Blade", was capped 35 times for South Africa but played only a peripheral role in last year's World Cup because of injury.
He is now suffering from a serious neck injury which could cause long-term damage if he were to continue playing for his English club side Bristol.
"My body is talking to me, and at this stage of my life it's about time I called it a day," Honiball said. "I haven't made a final decision yet but I'll probably go for the safe option."
Honiball, married with three children, said he would not miss the sport. "Rugby is not the be-all and end-all," he said.
"I've had my innings and I don't have any regrets. I am very grateful to have had a taste of the professional era."
Should Honiball, who won three Currie Cups with Natal, call it a day, Bristol have the prolific points-scorer Steve Vile as backup as well as the talented Welsh youngster Gareth Bowen.
