Bulls grant retiring legend Morné Steyn a benefit year
Springbok flyhalf’s contract at the franchise will now end in June 2023
28 February 2023 - 16:53
by Mahlatse Mphahlele
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Morne Steyn will call it quits in June after a stellar career. Picture: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
As he prepares to leave the stage after a glittering career that includes two World Cup appearances, Morné Steyn is being hailed as a talent who matured like good wine.
To recognise his long-standing commitment and service to the franchise for 14 years the Blue Bulls have awarded the Springbok flyhalf a farewell benefit year that will run until his retirement at the conclusion of his contract in June 2023.
Asked to reflect on the 38-year-old’s career, Bulls assistant coach Chris Rossouw hailed Steyn as a rare talent.
“Morné has been a legend. To achieve what he has over the years and be in the condition he is in is amazing,” Rossouw said as the Bulls prepared to face the Lions in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Loftus on Saturday.
“We all know the records he has broken over the years. I would say in a few years time we will look back and realise he has been an exceptional player that comes along only every 50 years or so.
“To be able to still train with fierce pressure and intensity at the age of 38 is unbelievable. He is a good guy. I have been privileged to work with him for the past four years here at the Bulls.
“What he has done with Stade Français in France, the Springboks and the Bulls is truly phenomenal and those coaches he worked with will tell you he has been an unbelievable player.”
Blue Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said Steyn “has been a stellar example of what true professionalism and commitment looks like in our rugby community”.
“He has inspired, entertained and redefined ‘sportainment’ over the last decade-and-a half, epitomising the DNA of our organisation.
“We have been blessed to have him run out in our colours for more than 267 professional games and he will leave us as an icon in Pretoria and rugby across SA.
“We are excited as an organisation to be able to say thank you to him by giving back to a cause that is dear to his heart and one I am confident he will be dedicating the next phase of his life towards, his #MS10 Foundation.
“For every home game held at Loftus between January and June 2023, the Blue Bulls will donate R1 of every ticket sold towards his #MS10 foundation,” he said.
Steyn said the Bulls have provided him a “home”.
“Playing at Loftus over such a long period has been a gift in life I wouldn’t have dreamt of in any perfect world,” he said.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Bulls grant retiring legend Morné Steyn a benefit year
Springbok flyhalf’s contract at the franchise will now end in June 2023
As he prepares to leave the stage after a glittering career that includes two World Cup appearances, Morné Steyn is being hailed as a talent who matured like good wine.
To recognise his long-standing commitment and service to the franchise for 14 years the Blue Bulls have awarded the Springbok flyhalf a farewell benefit year that will run until his retirement at the conclusion of his contract in June 2023.
Asked to reflect on the 38-year-old’s career, Bulls assistant coach Chris Rossouw hailed Steyn as a rare talent.
“Morné has been a legend. To achieve what he has over the years and be in the condition he is in is amazing,” Rossouw said as the Bulls prepared to face the Lions in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Loftus on Saturday.
“We all know the records he has broken over the years. I would say in a few years time we will look back and realise he has been an exceptional player that comes along only every 50 years or so.
“To be able to still train with fierce pressure and intensity at the age of 38 is unbelievable. He is a good guy. I have been privileged to work with him for the past four years here at the Bulls.
“What he has done with Stade Français in France, the Springboks and the Bulls is truly phenomenal and those coaches he worked with will tell you he has been an unbelievable player.”
Blue Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said Steyn “has been a stellar example of what true professionalism and commitment looks like in our rugby community”.
“He has inspired, entertained and redefined ‘sportainment’ over the last decade-and-a half, epitomising the DNA of our organisation.
“We have been blessed to have him run out in our colours for more than 267 professional games and he will leave us as an icon in Pretoria and rugby across SA.
“We are excited as an organisation to be able to say thank you to him by giving back to a cause that is dear to his heart and one I am confident he will be dedicating the next phase of his life towards, his #MS10 Foundation.
“For every home game held at Loftus between January and June 2023, the Blue Bulls will donate R1 of every ticket sold towards his #MS10 foundation,” he said.
Steyn said the Bulls have provided him a “home”.
“Playing at Loftus over such a long period has been a gift in life I wouldn’t have dreamt of in any perfect world,” he said.
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