Western Province rugby pay tribute to retired lock Van Zyl

Western Province pay tribute to Van Zyl

JOHANNESBURG, April 8 (ANA) – Western Province rugby coach John Dobson paid tribute to lock Chris van Zyl who announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday.

Dobson said: “Chris embodies what it means to be a true ‘Province man’. He always put the needs of the team above his own and had a positive influence on everyone he worked with here.

“His family can be proud of the way he represented them and there are many players who can learn from his example, both in terms of his passion and values and in the way he has set himself up for life after rugby. We can only wish him all the best and thank him for his countless contributions.”

The experienced lock ended with 72 caps for Western Province and 42 caps for the Stormers, having been at the Cape outfit for the last six years.

Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) president Zelt Marais thanked Van Zyl for his service.

Marais said: “Chris has shown through his words and actions that he has always given everything he can for the team. We thank him for everything he has done and wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”

Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR) Chairman Ebrahim Rasool said that Van Zyl will leave a legacy that the rest of the squad can take forward.

Rasool said: ”Chris was a shining example of how much our teams can mean and he had an incredible influence on everyone he came into contact with in our system. His impact will be felt for some time to come and for that we are very grateful.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman