Springbok midfielder Jan Serfontein has decided to retire from the game with immediate effect after a series of injuries curtailed his career.
Serfontein, who moved back to Pretoria at the end of last season, has had a torrid time, missing out several weeks with a shoulder injury and now with a MCL injury that caused him to make the decision.
A truely gifted player, Serfontein made his name at Grey College, before joining the Bulls where he and Handre Pollard formed a 10-12 axis that made them both Springboks.
Both would spend several seasons at Montpellier together as well, but Serfontein stayed for eight years, a move that some believe curtailed his Springbok ambitions.
End of an era 💔
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 5, 2026
Jan Serfontein has called time on an incredible 15-year journey. From a young star at the Vodacom Bulls to a Springbok (35 caps) and a champion in France with Montpellier, he gave everything to the game.
His final season back home was cut short by injury, but… pic.twitter.com/yyeDUoGETH
“Every player knows that there’s a time to call it a day,” reflected the 33-year-old in a Bulls press release that announced his retirement.
Serfontein said he was glad his provincial career started and ended at the Bulls in Pretoria.
“We used to drive up from Port Elizabeth to watch Currie Cup finals and also the year [2009] they won the Super Rugby final against the Chiefs. I was always a fan from when I was a youngster. There were many highs and lows and I’m massively proud and fortunate to have represented the Vodacom Bulls.”
35 BOK CAPS
At the age of 19, Serfontein was part of the Junior Bok team that won the Junior World Championship and was crowned World Junior Player of the year.
The son of Eastern Province stalwart Boela Serfontein, the midfielder made his Bok debut at the age of 20, earning 35 caps and a bronze medal at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Serfontein was a massive loss for the Bulls when he decided to move to France, and was a regular in the Montpellier backline.
On his return to South Africa he struggled to get regular game time, with injuries curtailing his involvement.
Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone praised his contribution to Loftus Versfeld: “Jan has been the epitome of a true professional and a ‘Loftus man’ through and through. From the moment he first arrived as a world-class junior talent to his return as a veteran leader, his contribution to this jersey has been immense.
“While his final season was unfortunately cut short by injury, his impact on the culture of this team and his mentorship of the younger players remained invaluable. We wish Jan and his family nothing but the best for this next chapter; he will always have a home here at Loftus Versfeld.”
Coach Johan Ackermann was equally effusive, praising Serfontein’s professional manner.
“I must congratulate him for playing at the highest level and always putting his body on the line. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a long time coaching Jan at the Vodacom Bulls but he struck me as a quality person and a great team man. He was always humble and supportive of the team.
“When he saw me, I felt the need to support his decision. You can have plans but there’s often an inner voice that talks to you. You have to have peace. Besides, the person is more important than rugby itself. I can only thank him for the way he was every day. May him and his family be blessed as they embark on their new chapter.”
Serfontein is the second veteran player to retire this season, following Johan Goosen’s calf injury that curtailed his career.
Goosen has not made the official announcement yet, but has been seen coaching juniors during the past few months.