Rugby: Scottish pillar “WP” Nel bows out

Scottish international prop “WP” Nel, 38 next month, will retire at the end of the season, the Scottish FA announced on Tuesday. Born in South Africa, Willem Petrus Nel honored his 61st and final selection in the XV du Chardon jersey during the World Cup match against Ireland last fall in France. Arriving in 2012 at the Scottish club Edinburgh from the South African franchise Cheetahs, Nel became a Scottish international through the eligibility rules linked to residence, making his first cap against Italy in 2015.

In a press release released by the Scottish Federation, he underlines how having worn the Chardon jersey has been a source of pride for him. “When you stand there and sing the anthem, it's a moment where you feel pride, pride in being part of the team that is going to represent Scotland,” he said.

Called up by Scottish coach Gregor Townsend for the Six Nations Tournament at the start of the year, Nel did not play a single minute, hampered by a neck injury. He will not be on the summer tour, which will see Scotland meet Canada, the United States, Chile and Uruguay. “WP has given a huge amount to Scottish rugby over all these years,” praised Townsend. “WP will be among the best pillars to have played for Scotland, highly respected by his coaches and players,” he continues, also praising the thirty-year-old’s cheerful character and humor. “We will miss his smile, as will his love for scrums and his utterly subtle moments that often lit up our training sessions.”