Cape Town - Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

Redelinghuys, 28, fractured his neck in a horror tackle during the Golden Lions' Currie Cup semi-final against the Free State Cheetahs last year.

Redelinghuys told Sunday's Rapport newspaper that he had made the decision to hang up his boots this week as the risk of another neck injury was just too big.

'I am just glad I can still walk. It would have been selfish of me to continue playing. I could have ended up in a wheelchair (if I played again). I can still do everything, except play rugby.'

Redelinghuys, a qualified accountant, has already taken up a role at the Golden Lions Company where he will work at the Learning Hub as a mentor to the union's junior players.

He will help the youngsters complete their studies and make important financial decisions.

Redelinghuys played eight Tests between 2014 to 2016 as well as 47 Super Rugby matches for the Lions.