Pieterse to call it quits

Early retirement: Barend Pieterse set to hang up his boots

Cheetahs lock Barend Pieterse will retire after this season's Currie Cup.

The 29-year-old Pieterse cited business and injury reasons for his surprise retirement.

He will also decide whether he is available for the first Springbok training squad of the year, to be announced on Saturday.

Pieterse made his Springbok debut against the Barbarians during last year's end of year tour, making the timing of his retirement all the more strange.