The 37-year-old Steyn has cited family commitments as the reason to call it quits at an international level.

While Steyn did not go to the Rugby World Cup with the Springboks, he has the distinction of being the only Bok to play against the British & Lions in two series, and on both occasions he landed a last minute penalty to win the series for South Africa.

The Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, lauded Steyn for his contribution to Springbok rugby.

“What can you say? He's just been such a great servant to SA rugby and a brilliant rugby player. Hats off to him in terms of what he's delivered on the field.

“He created magic, like the contests against the Lions and winning it twice. It speaks volumes.

“He was phenomenal working with this last 20 weeks. He always contributed, painted good pictures, helped prepare the team and was never afraid to give his input to the younger players.

“We wouldn't have put him in the Lions and Rugby Championship groups if we didn't feel there was a role for him to play up to 2023.

“Morné's rugby IQ is so high and his intellectual capital vast. He was always eager to share his insights. “But we're 100% comfortable with his decision, we respect it fully.

“In my communication with him, he said that he believes there's about two years of competitive play left in him and he'd like to enjoy it with the Bulls.”

As a player, Steyn played in 68 Tests and he is the second leading all-time points scorer for South Africa behind Percy Montgomery.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport