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Terblanche salutes the travelling Ulster support in Thomond Park. ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
Ulster

Calling time: Terblanche plans to retire at end of season

However, the Springbok did admit that he may not need much persuasion to sign another extension at Ravenhill.

STEFAN TERBLANCHE COULD well be in Bermuda this time next year.

Ulster’s 36-year-old fullback has planned to end his career once his current deal with Ulster is up at the end of the season.

Terblanche only joined the province on a three month deal in November as a temporary replacement for the injured Jared Payne.

However, since then, his performances have never been short of impressive and he gladly signed an extension to keep him at Ravenhill until the end of the season.

The former Springbok has made 14 appearances with the red hand this campaign, including five outings in the Heineken Cup.

Speaking at the Aviva Stadium today and looking ahead to Ulster’s looming semi-final clash with Edinburgh, Terblanche was asked about his plans for next season and answered in typically honest fashion:

“Yeah, I think this will probably be the end of my rugby playing days. I’m going back home to South Africa, there’s the South African Rugby Legends association in South Africa that look after the old players, the ex-players and the referees.

“They do a lot of good work,” Terblanche added before highlighting some of the positives that retirement can bring, “they also have a lot of fun because they plan overseas trips for the old boys to go to Bermuda to play against the England and Ireland old boys and have a few beers after the game.”

With over 40, 000 tickets already sold for the European semi-final, Terblanche’s experience and big game temperament will be central to Ulster’s chances.

Even at the tail end of his career, the former Natal Shark is in exemplary condition and primed for the rigours of playing fullback at close to Test level.  So, naturally the gathered media wondered if he could be convinced to change his mind.

Terblanche smiled and laughed at the question, but certainly did not rule out the possibility.

“I always say ‘one more year, one more year’, but I’m sure they (South African Legends) will understand if I have to stay for another year or so.”

David Humphreys, take note.

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