South African star Cecil Afrika is retiring from international Sevens but the veteran is still holding onto hope of going to a second Olympics.
Afrika's contract with the Blitzboks ends after the current season and he had agreed with coach Neil Powell before this year that it would be his final contract with the team.
The 32-year-old made his Sevens debut in 2009, playing 66 World Series tournaments including two overall World Series titles.
Afrika was part of South Africa's 2016 bronze medal-winning squad in Rio and the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games winning squad.
Powell said on Monday night that it would be difficult to say goodbye to one of the biggest names in Sevens.
"It is one of those inevitable things in professional sport, but even so, it remains a sad day to say goodbye to Cecil when his contract expires,” he said.
“He has been a great in the game, his achievements speak for itself and he inspired many to enjoy the game of sevens.
END OF AN ERA
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) June 8, 2020
A legend in every sense of the word!! Inspiring, passionate, professional, and a role model to all!
Thank you for all the joy you have given us @AfrikaCecil!
You will be sorely missed!
May the next chapter be even more successful. Be blessed my friend.#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/N2C0cwqk2c
“I played with Cecil when he made his debut in 2009 and in the last couple of years, had the privilege of coaching him as well. He was a truly gifted player who came back from some serious injuries more than once to achieve amazing feats as a player and squad member.
“We will say goodbye to him in a more formal way later in the year, but for now the Springbok Sevens management would like to thank him for his contributions over the many years he has been with the Blitzboks.
“Cecil has set very high standards for those to follow and there is no doubt that he will leave the jersey in a better place, something every international rugby player strives for.”
Powell said the pair had already agreed this would be his final season before the coronavirus pandemic forced the Olympics to be postponed.
“We extended his contract last year in order for him to have a shot at making the Olympic squad, but with that being postponed to next year, that option cruelly fell away and is not available anymore.
“We have proper post career guidance in place for all in the squad and I know Cecil is already dipping into the business world, where he will be successful, no doubt.”
Afrika said he still hoped there could be an avenue to be part of the 2021 Olympic squad.
"The COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing is definitely not something anyone wished for and was certainly not expected, and as much as it has re-arranged and possibly unsettled my Olympic 2020 chances, it is a dream deferred and not cancelled,” he said.
“As management has mentioned, the possibility remains should the opportunity to play in the 2021 Olympics present itself. I am always ready to play should the Blitzboks need me.
“Aside from keeping-up my professional fitness to stay prepared for opportunities that may avail themselves, I also plan to be more involved in skills training within rugby and overall sports development initiatives.
“I believe I can definitely add value from my experience and I would love to be a part of that, not only as a player on the field, but also on the other side of the white lines, as I have rather a great passion for contributing to the components related to the game in other forms such as analysis and coaching.
“Presently, I am also using some time to partake in relief projects for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as I believe that this is one of the most important aspects in our lives at the moment and requires all hands-on deck, the government cannot do it alone.
“As a professional athlete my value doesn't and shouldn't only come from what I am able to do on the field, but as a person too.”
