Nel is calling time on career

Scotland and Edinburgh prop WP Nel revealed that his decision to retire was driven primarily by concerns around his body’s ability to deal with the weekly rigours of professional rugby.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that the South Africa-born tighthead – who turns 38 next month – will call time on his career at the end of this season.

Nel, who was unable to play in the recent Six Nations due to neck problems, confirmed yesterday that fitness issues were taking a toll on him.

“It’s not a decision that came very easy but at the end, I had to think about what does the future look like?” he said.

“With another year, how would the body react to that? This season, I’ve struggled a little bit with my neck.

“It can feel like the body is not there any more, with recovery and stuff. It just felt right to say ‘right, let’s call it a day at the end of the season’. It’s right for the family.”

Nel arrived in Scotland in 2012 when he joined Edinburgh from South African club Cheetahs.

He want on to win 61 caps during an international career that incorporated involvement at the last three World Cups, while he made his 200th appearance for Edinburgh away to Stormers last Saturday.

The 37-year-old also welcomed four children into the world during his time in Scotland.

“When I think back to when we arrived in 2012, it was probably only my second time out of South Africa, it was a new country, we didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “And to think where we are now, it’s been amazing.

“I was lying in bed this morning thinking what could I have done differently, and there was nothing. To have achieved what I have achieved is just amazing.

“I treated every game since my career started as a special opportunity.

“It’s been a journey for the family. When we came here it was just the two of us – me and my wife – and now there are six of us. It’s been a really good journey.”

Gregor Townsend, the Scotland head coach, hailed the veteran’s contribution to his adopted country.

“WP will rank among the best props to play for Scotland, highly respected from coaches and players alike – and he also had a brilliant sense of humour,” he said.

“WP has given a huge amount to Scottish rugby over a number of years.

“He was a joy to coach as every time he took to the training pitch he gave it his all, no matter how much his body was giving him issues.”

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt joined the chorus of appreciation, adding: “WP has been a tremendous servant to Edinburgh Rugby over more than a decade.”

Meanwhile, Howe of Fife/bell Baxter’s rugby players defeated hosts Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen to win the boys under-18 Caledonia Cup at the youth finals day at Countesswells.

The day saw nearly 400 young players take to the field, representing 22 teams in 11 enthralling finals.

Elsewhere, in the boys under-15 Bowl final Perthshire lost 50-8 to Moray/huntly, in the boys under-16 Shield final Howe of Fife/bell Baxter were edged out 25-19 by Highland Eagles and in the boys under-16 cup final Dunfermline were pipped by Stirling County 26-21.

Strathmore were defeated in the boys under-18 Shield final 55-21 by Deeside/ Garioch and, in the girls under-16 cup final, Perthshire lost 27-7 to Stirling County.

RETIREMENT: WP Nel is set to hang up his boots.