Cheetahs lock Waltie Vermeulen has retired from rugby after an injury plauged season in order to concentrate on his career as a doctor.

Harold Verster, the CEO of the Cheetahs rugby union said on wednesday: "It is a big blow for the Cheetahs as locks are not common in the province, but we already have plans to deal with the crisis.

"We have a number of youngsters emerging, with the likes of Henco Venter doing well for us recently.

"Waltie is a true gentleman of the sport and we will miss him."

Vermeulen, who like his father (of same name) practices as a doctor in Hopetown, in the Northern Cape said he spent the last few seasons so badly hurt that he believes this is the best decision right now.

The lock played 23 games for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby and a further 44 times for the team at Currie Cup level – a fair haul considering he is only 26-years-old.

Volksblad

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