Former Springbok and Bulls eighthman Pierre Spies has announced his retirement.

Spies made his debut for the Springboks in 2006 against Australia in Brisbane and earned 53 Test caps. He played for the Boks in three positions, No 8 (48 games), flank (four games) and wing (one game).

The 32-year-old joined Montpellier in 2016, but was recently released despite being contracted until next season, after new coach Vern Cotter said Spies was not part of his plans.

Spies earned a total of 119 caps for the Bulls from 2005 to 2015, before joining the Kintetsu Liners in Japan for one season. He played eight times for Kintetsu and then moved to Montpellier to play under Jake White, but the former Bok coach’s exit at the club brought on many changes, including the release of Spies.

Spies has not yet revealed his post-rugby plans.

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