The 32-year-old Marais missed the entire SuperRugby Unlocked series and Currie Cup due to an injury.

Marais won the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs in 2016 and 2019.

Marais told OFM Sport that after three neck injuries it is wiser to hang up his boots.

“I decided to hang up my boots after consultation with the doctor.

“This is my third neck injury, and this one is slightly more serious than the other two. So, I decided to call it a day. I think for my future and that of my family, it’s maybe the best decision to have a better quality of life after rugby.

“One will always miss the rugby, the game, the teammates, the fans and everybody else, but especially playing for the Cheetahs. It has been a part of me for a long time.

“Watching the rugby on TV and not being a part of it won’t be great.

“One always has goals that you set for yourself each year, and now my focus must shift to something else.”

Marais added that at this stage there are a couple of options that he is looking at, but he and his family will be staying in Bloemfontein.

“We will be staying in Bloemfontein. It is our home and we like staying here. We are Bloemfonteiners.

“At the moment there is nothing concrete, but we are looking at some options, but I can’t say with certainty what the future holds.”

Marais is the second player from the Cheetahs to have retired early due to a neck injury in the past year. Last year, the flanker Gerhard Olivier announced his retirement from the sport due to an injury he sustained in a PRO14 match against the Cardiff Blues.

Marais represented the Cheetahs in 112 matches across all levels while he also played for the Griffons, Kings and Lions.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport