Ex-Sharks captain and loose forward Lubabalo ‘Tera’ Mtembu has announced that he has called time on his rugby career at the age of 31.
Mtembu, who joined the New England Free Jacks in the USA’s Major League Rugby, captained the Sharks in 2014 and 2019.
The 31-year-old joined the Sharks straight out of school and made 47 Super Rugby appearances for the Durban-based side.
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1/2 Today I announce my retirement from this great game that has been a big part of my life. Thank you to everyone that has played their part through the ups and downs, good and the bad. Big thank you to the beginnings @Dale_Rugby to the @SharksRugby and @NEFreeJacks for
— Tera Mtembu (@TeraMtembu) January 25, 2022
2/2 Allowing my fire to burn as a young boy not knowing it would become a reality. I am looking forward to the next chapter with @cameronjamesReal Estate.
“Retirement is not the end of road. It is the beginning of the open highway.”
God is Love ❤️
— Tera Mtembu (@TeraMtembu) January 25, 2022
However, his promising career became heavily impacted by injuries, which ultimately played a role in his decision to retire.
“The biggest thing was listening to my body,” Mtembu told Sport24.
“As much as I enjoyed America – I had the time of my life, and I would do it all over again – my body wasn’t responding.
“I think it was time. I wasn’t going back to the Free Jacks because they had new coaching staff but, fortunately, I got one or two other offers.
“But I’d lost the passion of playing games, which is another big thing. They say you know when it’s time, and I think it’s time for me to let go.
“The older I get, it’s just a lot tougher now with all the injuries I’ve had. I’ve never used them as an excuse, but my body is not the same anymore.
“Injuries have played a huge role and it’s not fun anymore. I would have loved to have fewer injuries, but I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for those injuries.”
Mtembu will continue his post-rugby career in real estate, but will stay involved in the game with a bit of coaching on the side.
— Tera Mtembu (@TeraMtembu) January 25, 2022
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
