Former Western Province and Stormers flank Don Armand has confirmed that he will be retiring from rugby after finishing the current Premiership season with Exeter Chiefs.
The Zimbabwe-born 33-year-old, who won two Test caps for England, has played 193 games for Exeter during a nine-year stay where he helped the English club reach the past six Premiership finals and win the 2020 European Champions Cup.
In a statement on the Exeter website, Armand confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots to focus on family and business interests.
“I’ve had a while to think about it because it wasn’t an easy decision,” Armand said. “Having done that, I know this is the right thing for me and my family. Bringing to an end a lifetime of rugby, it does fill me with sadness, but equally I go away with so many happy memories.”
— Don Armand (@don_armand) April 13, 2022
Armand joined the Exeter Chiefs in 2013 from the Stormers, where he began his professional rugby career. Having attended Maritzburg College, Armand also played for the UCT Ikeys and Western Province during his time in South Africa.
Despite his impressive performances, he only made two appearances for England. In 2017, Armand made his Test debut against Argentina, but would add only one further cap as a replacement against Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations.
Currently recovering from a wrist injury, he is unlikely to make another appearance for Exeter before the end of the season.
“There’s no doubt playing the game has made me a way better person than if I went down another route in life,” added Armand.
“I’ve had so many valuable life lessons, all of which have an influence on you as a person, and it’s those lessons I will use for the next chapter in my life.”
Photo: Getty Images
