Former Springbok centre Grant Esterhuizen was assaulted at a nightclub just outside Mbombela after watching the Test between South Africa and New Zealand on Saturday evening.

Esterhuizen, who played seven Test matches for the Springboks in 2000, said he and a few friends visited a club after attending the Rugby Championship opener between the Boks and All Black at Mbombela Stadium.

“We were standing outside (the club) and this one guy comes to me and says he feels like he wants to hit me,” Esterhuizen told JacarandaFM on Wednesday morning.

“I turned my back towards him and carried on with my conversation and the next thing I got hit really hard from the side. That’s pretty much the last of what I can remember.”

Esterhuizen said he had tried to defend himself, but was knocked out after getting hit by a helmet.

The assault has not caused any lasting damage, beyond headaches and bruises, but Esterhuizen will consult with an eye specialist this week.

The 46-year-old said that he is not someone who likes to provoke people.

“I’m pretty straightforward. When I have a couple of drinks, I always say I’m a lover and not a fighter.

“This was just one of those random acts of violence.

“The guys looked like they belonged to a motorcycle club. They were out to hurt someone.”

Esterhuizen said he was grateful for the amazing support he had received from friends as well as on social media.

He added that he has reached out to the nightclub, hoping to get footage of the incident that may assist him, but has not heard anything back yet.

“I’m not leaving it here, we’ll keep fighting,” Esterhuizen added.

Photo: Facebook