South Africa's two-time Rugby World Cup winner Francois Steyn said on Wednesday he was lucky to have such a long career after announcing his retirement.

Steyn, 36, who could play across the back-line, has been forced to end his time as a player due to a knee injury.

After lifting the World Cup in 2007 he was a member of the Boks' pivotal 'bomb squad' off the bench 12 years later during the success in Japan. 

Instead of the traditional five forwards and three backs among the replacements, then coach Rassie Erasmus opted for a six-two split, with Steyn's versatility crucial with just a scrum-half as the other back available.

"I enjoyed my role in the 'bomb squad' so much," he told AFP.

"I have been blessed with a long rugby career and that was a highlight," he added.

Steyn was a 20-year-old centre in a team packed with veterans when he became a World Cup winner for the first time as South Africa beat England in the 2007 final having made his Test debut less than 12 months earlier.

In Yokohama four years ago, he replaced full-back Willie Le Roux in the closing quarter of an hour as the Boks beat England once again in the decider.

Following the success in 2019, Steyn became just the second Springbok to win two World Cups, after prop Os du Randt in 1995 and 2007.

Capped 78 times by the Springboks, he scored 165 points, including 11 tries, and will also be remembered for his ability to kick penalties from prodigious distances, often inside his own half. 

Steyn had club stints with the Sharks, Racing 92, Montpellier, Toshiba Brave Lupus before ending with the Cheetahs.

- 'Fortunate' -

"To be honest, this is not how I envisioned the journey ending," Steyn said on social media on Tuesday.

"Every player wants to end on their own terms, but I am fortunate to have played this game for so long and (I am) incredibly grateful for the journey I have had.

"Unfortunately, I have battled with injuries that season and am now announcing my retirement from professional rugby. I have given it my everything, and I have no regrets.

"It has been a tough few months coming to terms with saying goodbye to the game that has been my entire life.

"I have a massive number of people to thank from all around the world for the support throughout the highs and lows of my career.

"I will forever be grateful for the opportunities, the friendship, the memories and lessons that rugby has given me.

"I look forward to the next chapter and the opportunity to give back to the game that has given me everything," he added.

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