Serfontein calls time on career

Springbok and Bulls centre, Jan Serfontein, has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old calls time on a 15-year professional career that saw him rise from World Rugby Junior Player of the Year to spells with the Bulls, the Springboks and French club Montpellier.

“Every player knows that there’s a time to call it a day,” said Serfontein. “We used to drive up from Port Elizabeth to watch Currie Cup finals and also the year [2009] they [the Bulls] won the Super Rugby final against the Chiefs.”

“I was always a fan from when I was a youngster. There were many highs and lows and I’m massively proud and fortunate to have represented the Bulls.”

Bulls CEO, Edgar Rathbone, praised Serfontein’s professionalism and influence on younger players, while head coach, Johan Ackermann, also paid tribute.

“The person is more important than rugby itself,” Ackermann said. “I can only thank him for the way he was every day.”

End of an era 💔

Jan Serfontein has called time on an incredible 15-year journey. From a young star at the Vodacom Bulls to a Springbok (35 caps) and a champion in France with Montpellier, he gave everything to the game.

His final season back home was cut short by injury, but… pic.twitter.com/yyeDUoGETH

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 5, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari