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Adult life beckons for du Toit

Monday 26 September 2011, 12:32PM

By Rugby World Cup 2011

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Namibia fans will be aiming to give Jané du Toit a festive Test farewell
Namibia fans will be aiming to give Jané du Toit a festive Test farewell Credit: Rugby World Cup 2011

NEW PLYMOUTH

Namibia's veteran loosehead prop Jané du Toit is hanging up his boots to focus on his “adult life”.

After 23 appearances for his country, du Toit will take the field for the last time when Namibia round off their Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign with Monday's Pool D match against Wales at New Plymouth's Stadium Taranaki.

“Age is creeping up on me,” the 35-year-old said. “The body is recovering slowly now but I’ve been fortunate enough in my career to have suffered no major injuries.

“It’s time to focus on my adult life. I am an account manager for a major property company during the day and it’s hard to be playing this level of rugby and juggling a job.”

Du Toit, who has spent the past three seasons with English Championship side Plymouth Albion, came off the bench in Namibia’s matches against South Africa and Samoa. He is named in the first XV for his last match.

He will look back with pride on an international career that has included five RWC matches.

Du Toit made his debut at the 2007 tournament and is the fifth oldest player at RWC 2011.

“Like everybody else in the team, to put on that jersey and go out to sing the anthem will always be a highlight for me,” he said.

“If we (Namibia) keep on building and get bigger competitions, we can grow. The younger players will step up but we need more competition games at this level.”