Rassie Erasmus has paid tribute to Schalk Brits after the Springbok hooker confirmed that he will go back into retirement.

Erasmus lured Brits out of retirement in 2018, a move which many doubted but one that proved to be a masterstroke as the 38-year-old was an invaluable member of the World Cup-winning squad.

While Brits was only directly involved in one game in 2018, as a substitute against England, he wore the captain’s armband twice in 2019 – against Argentina in Pretoria and in the World Cup pool stage win over Namibia.

‘Schalk was an invaluable member of our squad and someone who not only lifted the spirit among the players, but set an example with his professionalism and superb work rate throughout the last two seasons,’ Erasmus said.

‘He came in with one goal in mind and that was to make the Springboks successful, putting aside his own ambitions and selflessly working for the greater good of the team, as player and mentor to younger squad members.

‘To say Schalk is a team player would be underestimating the massive role he played in our success, and for that I can only thank him.’

Brits ended his career having played in 15 Tests in an international career spanning 12 seasons.

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