Au revoir De Villiers

De Villiers loves his lifestyle in Paris

Pieter de Villiers was a simple spectator in Paris on Saturday for Stade Français's victory over visiting Montauban.

After 13 years with the Parisian club, the former French international prop explained his decision to retire.

"It's a combination of things. For a start it's because of a lot of aches and pains and an injury to the vertebra in my neck," De Villiers told lesite.

"My motivation levels were certainly lower than at the start of my career. It's the right decision. It comes at the middle of the season but we can't control everything. We aren't machines," said the 35-year-old.

"I prefer to stop now, after having enjoyed myself a lot. I didn't want to take half measures, fall behind and not serve my team. I wanted to be honest.

Injured since December 2007, the South African born veteran of 69 caps for France has struggled to recover, despite the support of the club with which he won five French Championship titles.

"[This decision] has been at the back of my mind for a few months," said De Villiers.

"I gave myself some to recover from my neck injury. I went to see the president [Max Guazzini] to announce that I wanted to retire and he told me to take my time. That's what I've done. It was the least of things I owed Stade Français.

"I'm ready to move onto other things. I don't like not being at my best level, having pains all over, thinking about my wife and children every time the scrum goes down.

"Rugby has given me a lot of pleasure and emotions. But when you start suffering and it's no longer a pleasure, you must move on.

"I'll definitely miss it a lot. But I'm ready to do other things to keep fit. My career has come full circle and I'll get over it.

"The greatest memories are those of the times we share with the people we care about on the field and after a match. As much in defeat as in victory.

"It's l'aventure humaine that has marked me the most. I was spoilt in the French national team and with Stade Français."

Fellow veteran Sylvain Marconnet paid homage to his team-mate with a special gesture in the match against Montauban.

"He wore number 3 even though he was playing on the other side of the scrum. He then gave me his jersey after the match," De Villiers explained.

"That touched me. We've come a long way together. We're like two brothers,"

What does the future hold in store for the player described as 'the most South African of French rugby players?'

"I'm going to work in the restaurant industry close to Jean-Bouin [Stade's home ground]. I also import my family's wines. Perhaps at the end of the year I'll work with my brother on a real estate development in South Africa," said De Villiers, who hails from Malmesbury in the Western Cape.

The Stade Français management has asked De Villiers to stay close to the players until the end of the season, a sign of how important his presence is to the club he helped build.

"It's important for me to stay close to the group and contribute what I can. If I can help Stade Français, I'll do it with the greatest of pleasure," he added.

"Nowadays, I also need a bit of space, to spend time with my family and travel a bit. I'm going to enjoy myself but I could never totally cut my ties with rugby. I will certainly be back one day.

"I never imagined the I'd have the career I have. I came to play for one year, maybe two, and ended up playing thirteen seasons. I wasn't expecting this but I enjoyed life at the club and in Paris so much that I couldn't let go.

"Stade Français will be my club for life. I never experienced playing for the Springboks; I've always watched and respected them but coming to France was a lifestyle choice. I don't regret it for a second."