JP Pietersen, Wayde van Niekerk, Graeme Smith, All Blacks salute Bryan Habana

CAPE TOWN – A legend in the truest sense of the word, ambassador, ultimate professional, rugby player par excellence…

Bryan Habana became a world force in rugby with his electric pace down the left wing, his ability to sniff out rare attacking opportunities in a conservative Springbok game plan, his relentless chasing of box-kicks, and his enormous appetite to hunt down opponents in defence.

But a knee injury that required an operation last year has held the Springbok wing back, and he announced on Tuesday that he will end his rugby career at the end of the Toulon season.

The rugby world, and beyond, took to social media to salute the record Springbok try-scorer (67 in 124 Tests)…

JP Pietersen (his long-time wing mate for the Boks)

Congratulations on your outstanding career BH. Im so grateful that I’ve had the privilege of being your teammate and partner over the years. Thanks for all the memories and all the best with the next chapter. You are one of the greats who have played the game #wingcombo

Gio Aplon

It was and will forever be an honor being able to share the same jersey with you...Gentleman,Class and a legend of note on and off the field. #bestevermoderndaySpringbok!!!!!!

Breyton Paulse

I gotta salute Bryan Habana on the most incredible career,a true professional,a champion in life and a outstanding ambassador to the game of rugby,Thank You for the joy you gave to so many fans,Enjoy the next phase

John Smit

Legendary innings my mate, I watched a young boy become a South Africa icon. Congrats brother and good luck!!! What an incredible ambassador you have been for SA, oh yes and thanks for scoring all those tries!!!

Waking up and feeling properly overwhelmed by all the well wishes, kind words, love and appreciation. I’ll be taking it all in as I support my @RCTofficiel brothers finish the season. My sincere gratitude, appreciation and respect 🙌🏽

— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) April 25, 2018

Wayde van Niekerk

Wishing @BryanHabana all the best as he tackles his next adventure in life post-rugby. Know you’ll be a success in whatever u do. You’ve been an amazing inspiration on and off the field! Thank you for the memories! Go Well!

Graeme Smith

Congrats on an incredible career bud. Was wonderful watching you soar and achieve your dreams.... https://t.co/8lbwAeJ2tH

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) April 24, 2018

Jesse Kriel

A childhood Hero who became a team mate and I get to call him my friend ! True professional and example to all , thank you @BryanHabana #BH11 #Legend

Hashim Amla

Congrats to the very special @BryanHabana. My friend Every achievement in your sterling career stands out. You are an inspiration for many of us & one of the greatest ambassadors for our beautiful country - South Africa.

I wish you everything of the best. #Legend

— hashim amla (@amlahash) April 24, 2018

Faf du Plessis

Well done @BryanHabana on what u have achieved in ur rugby career my https://t.co/3PoOlXVLmS have been an inspiration on and off the field to so many.A true ambassador for South Africa.God bless u in whatever the future has in store for https://t.co/Szo2hhUhTg of the greats pic.twitter.com/k8MkAYYgDK

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) April 24, 2018

Come on my friend walk with me you can take of you rugby boots as well.I still have your back after rugby.I salute one of the best in the game and a lifetime friend well done on amazing career @BryanHabana ! LIVING LEGEND

All Blacks

To one of our greatest rivals, we say congratulations for a stunning career. You will be missed by fans across the world. All the best for the next chapter @BryanHabana! #Legend #FlyingBryan

Oupa Mohoje

You playing rugby while we were still in high school was nothing short of inspirational. You’ve made a big difference to children all over the world. I’m glad to have shared some time on the field with you. All the best with your retirement, Legend🙏🏿 @BryanHabana pic.twitter.com/mj2oP7arFA

— Teboho Mohoje (@OupsMo) April 24, 2018

Willie le Roux

Take a bow @bryanhabana_ you definitely are a true inspiration and legend of the game. I had the privilege of sharing the field with you on my very first springbok cap. Thank you for taking me under your wing and always leading by example.

All the best on your next journey 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/SSsVqV3CwT

— Willie le roux (@wjjleroux) April 24, 2018

Nigel Owens

Congratulations on a brilliant career. Best wishes for the future. It was always a pleasure to referee you and always difficult to try and keep up with you

Kurt Darren

Well done @BryanHabana you’ve always only been a gentleman to myself and my family, a true Legend in every way. Now go and enjoy some quality time out with your beautiful family Champ.

Everyone knows about all the tries, all the trophies and that you were along with Jonah Lomu the best wing in the world! So I'm not gonna elaborate on that. What they don't know is that you always put the team first, whether is organise golf or boat trips on our off days or sorting the guys out with Xbox's or earphones! You always had a way to try and do something for the team. Your a Springbok legend and I wish we could have played more games together. In your personal life your a world class husband and father. I respect you @bryanhabana_ I know the next chapter in your life will be a massive success, see you in Cape Town! #BH11 #Springbok #Legend

A post shared by Eben Etzebeth(@ebenetzebeth4) on Apr 25, 2018 at 1:43am PDT

Quade Cooper

The game is going to miss you brother @BryanHabana .. thank you for the inspiration growing up..…

Maxime Mermoz

It's been a honor and a privilege to have played alongside you @BryanHabana, such a great mate on and out of the field. I wish you the best for the next chapter of your life #Legend