Cape Town - Legendary former Springbok wing Bryan Habana says he was physically fine to continue playing rugby, but opted against doing so.
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The 35-year-old, who is South Africa's all-time leading try scorer with 67 tries from his 124 Tests, confirmed his retirement from professional rugby in April.
In an in-depth interview with by Sky Sports earlier this week, Habana said he was frustrated that he was not picked by French club Toulon despite recovering from injury.
He added that there was an opportunity to play for another year in Japan, but gave his reasons for retiring.
“The reason I've called it a day is I've just turned 35 and have had a great run. To be able to push myself for one more year is a double-edged sword,” he said.
"To stay in rugby because I could, or to experience another culture in Japan or somewhere, the other side of that coin is I would take myself out of entering the business world for another year.”
Habana said that rugby had to end “at some point”.
“You have to make that decision and go into the real world. I'm also not sure there was quite much more I needed to achieve on a personal level. I spent years in France in a culture that was very foreign to me - and not only the language. I just felt it was time to call it. My body could maybe have gone on a bit more, but mentally I knew the decision had to be made."
In his next ventures, Habana hinted at brand ambassadorial roles and punditry.
Before he joined Toulon in 2013, Habana played for the Stormers (2010-2013), Bulls (2005-2009) and Lions (2003-2004).
His final Test was the 20-18 defeat to Italy in Florence n 2016.
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