Former Springbok centre Frans Steyn says it’s unlikely he’ll play international rugby again.

Steyn, who has earned 53 caps since 2006, last represented the Boks against a World XV at Newlands in June before leaving the squad before the first Test against Wales 'to consider his international future'.

It later emerged that he had a long-running contract dispute with Saru regarding his image rights, which were handled by a third party.

'It was a rollercoaster ride for me,' said Steyn in an exclusive interview with EWN Sport. 'We got together in Durban that one week, it had started way before then and it was always at the back of my mind but at the stage I was just concentrating on my job at the Sharks. [But] when it came to the Springboks it was difficult for me because of the situation, and stuff I had to deal with there.

'It’s a part of my life I really don’t want over, I don’t want the last six months of my life over again.

'We had a fallout earlier and then I went to the camp and we played the World XV, and then on the Monday, I can’t say that there was a vibe, but it was just different for me. There weren’t a lot of options for me. Like any national side there’s only one way and that way didn’t suit me, so that’s what led to that [decision to leave the squad.'

Has Steyn called time on playing for the Springboks for good?

'I don’t know, that’s a tough question. We’ll have to wait and see what happens or if they need me again one day, but at this stage I’m supporting the Boks the same as all the other supporters in South Africa. I’m supporting them all the way and really hope they do well in the Championship, end-of-year tour and the World Cup next year.

'I think it would be nice to play for the Boks again, but at the same time I’ve pretty much made peace with it, I don’t think it is going to happen, so I’ve made peace with that.'

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