As news broke that South Africa captain Jean de Villiers retired from international rugby following a broken jaw in the Rugby World Cup, the rugby world took to Twitter to pay their tributes.
– RWC: Earls equals record as Ireland trounce Romania
– RWC: S. Africa thrash sorry Samoa, Italy beat Canada
– RWC: Maitland try secures comfortable Scotland win
JDV what a legend! Devastated to hear he’s out of the #RWC, all #RSA will miss seeing him out on the field! http://t.co/pEdNHmoFf4
— Butch James (@butch_james) September 27, 2015
Congratulations to Jean De Villiers on an exceptional international career . A good leader and a great bloke ! Salute !!
— Jonathan Kaplan (@RefJK) September 27, 2015
After 109 Tests for the Springboks, Jean de Villiers has announced his international retirement. A class act. pic.twitter.com/mGLonmgtop
— Rugby World (@Rugbyworldmag) September 27, 2015
Jean de Villiers,what a human,what a legend,Fought many tough battles and bounced back everytime,a true inspiration for so many Captain
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) September 27, 2015
Feel so sorry for Jean de Villiers!Will never forget the message he gave us at the Titans jersey handover last year.True legend of the game!
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) September 27, 2015
Sad ending to Jean de Villiers international career. Top player, leader and a great guy as well.
— Kelly Brown (@kellydrbrown) September 27, 2015
We’d like to wish @Springboks captain Jean de Villiers all the best in his international retirement #scrumtogether pic.twitter.com/U6Yh3pxhOg
— Dove Men+Care (@DoveMen) September 27, 2015
There will unfortunately be many injuries that will cost players their World Cup but to se… . http://t.co/lzZ5LNrEyh
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) September 27, 2015
Jean de Villiers out with broken jaw! Damn!! #RWC2015 #RSA http://t.co/xThgCZRYQB
— Joel Stransky (@stranners) September 27, 2015
One of the classiest men ever to play the game. Jean deVilliers is desperately unlucky to be out of #rwc2015
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) September 27, 2015
Really gutted for Jean De Villiers, he is a legend of the game and role model to many, including me. Deserved to retire on his terms.
— Andries Strauss (@Andries_Strauss) September 27, 2015
