Rugby: Krige quits at top

Springbok World Cup captain Corne Krige is quitting the international game at the age of 28.

Krige captained the Springboks for the first time on his debut against Italy in 1999, leading the team to a record 101-0 victory, but only took over as regular skipper in 2002.

The Springboks have endured a difficult time since, suffering record defeats by England (53-3), Scotland (21-5), France (30-10) and New Zealand (52-16), and being beset by off-field problems.

Krige, who made 39 test appearances despite a succession of injury problems that dogged his career, has a contract to play provincial rugby until the end of this season.