The Toyota Cheetahs loosehead prop, Schalk Ferreira, has no plans to retire from the sport as a player yet. This despite the highly experienced player having turned 40-years-old on Friday.

At the age of 25, Ferreira, was told that he would never play the sport again following a double-neck fusion.

Players are seemingly able to add a couple of years to their careers as they are looking after their bodies a lot better, but even 40 is a number that most just cannot reach.

The ever-professional Ferreira told OFM Sport that his body still feels great, but for now he is taking it one game at a time.

“It's a massive privilege to have turned 40 and to still be playing, so grace on grace,” said the seasoned loosehead prop.

“When I was 25, they told me that I was never going to play rugby again. Three specialists reinforced that nobody with a double neck infusion will play rugby again, and two years after that, by miracle and prayer I got back into the game.

“On Friday, I turned 40, so every game is a massive blessing. That is how I see it.

“I am honest when I tell you that I've got no idea in my mind when I would like to finish - I haven't made that choice. I just take it game-for-game and I'm trying to just be as professional as I can be.

“I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke and I am in the gym every day. I take ice baths and all of that, just trying to be as professional as I can be. My body in not feeling bad at all.”

Ferreira is contracted until September and by then he will be one of the oldest professionals in the world.

At the moment it is said that the New Zealand, Brad Thron, was the oldest professional, at 40 years and 109 days, when he retired as a player. Ferreira will surpass the former All Blacks' record by September when his contract expires.

Ferreira’s teammate, Ruan Pienaar, will be turning 40-years-old in March, and his contract is set to expire in June. Pienaar and Ferreira played with and against each other from their school days.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport