Former Springboks loose forward Pierre Spies has announced his retirement from rugby.
Spies won 53 caps for South Africa between 2006 and 2013 but missed the 2007 World Cup-winning squad because he was found to have blood clots in his lungs.
Montpellier released Spies, who was beset by injuries throughout his career, after one season with the French club following the conclusion of their Top 14 campaign in May.
Former Springboks coach Jake White had been in charge of Montpellier since 2014 but Kiwi coach Vern Cotter takes the reins for next season.
Spies, 32, retires having won 119 Super Rugby caps for the Bulls between 2005 and 2015, which included winning their three titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
He started the two tests South Africa won against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 as the Springboks won the series 2-1.
"As a professional rugby player, I have thought a lot about this day. It is a moment every player is destined for, and yet you cannot control how and when you accommodate it in your life," Spies said in a statement released on his personal website.
"Much speculation has been going around the past two months about my rugby career and the way forward.
"This statement confirms my retirement from all forms of rugby. It has been a wonderful journey and one I will remember for the rest of my days, but it is the end of a chapter in my life."
Spies had a brief stint in Japan with Kintetsu Liners in 2015 before joining Montpellier.
He said he could have continued playing but felt the time was right to end his career.
"There are many things that motivate me to make a decision like this - family, faith, future, and my purpose.
"I believe I can make an impact in this world and have a passion for sharing my faith, encouraging youth and caring for the poor and broken in society.
"I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life filled with excitement and wonder - and I believe the best is yet to come!
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES Caption: Pierre Spies has retired from rugby.