Deon Carstens, a veteran of more than 200 first class matches, as well as ten caps for the Boks, has been forced to retire.
Carstens returned to the Cape from a stint with Saracens to end his career, but has not played this year. He underwent a neck operation in the off season, but with a back injury sustained since, he has been forced into premature retirement.
Carstens played a mammoth 178 matches for the Sharks before packing for Saracens.
We would like to wish Deon the very best in life after rugby.
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I like Deon Carsten. Not always the most powerful in the scrum but certainly had a lot of skill and speed for a prop. And he was always smiling. All the best Deon!
@Pokkel (Comment 1) :
Agree. A good option at the Sharks for a number of years.
@Pokkel (Comment 1) : …and apparently a character of note.
Yeah all the best, hope the body is not to damaged after those 200+ first class games.
@Salmonoid (Comment 3) :
I heard he was always the one playing practical jokes on the guys.
All the best with the future Deon.
One of the most likable props in the game. A guy who deserved every accolade he got during his career. I think his highlight is most likely the Lions Tests he played in 2009. When he came back to SA I was disappointed the Sharks didn’t pick him up as loosehead cover.
A sad way to end, but he has left his mark!
All the best to Deon for the future