Scrumhalf Michael Claassens has hung up his boots following the end of the Sharks’ Super Rugby campaign.

The 35-year-old is set to pursue personal interests after largely playing a mentorship role to teammates Louis Schreuder and Cameron Wright.

Claassens joined the Sharks from Toulon in 2015, having also played for English Premiership side Bath between 2007 and 2013.

After making his Springbok debut in 2004 against Wales, aged just 22, he went on to accumulate eight Test caps, his final appearance coming against the All Blacks in the 2007 Tri-Nations.

Claassens started his career at the Cheetahs and made 64 appearances for them between 2003 and 2007. His honours include winning the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs in 2005, the 2007-08 European Challenge Cup with Bath, the European Champions Cup with Toulon as well as a Top 14 double in 2013-14.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images