Ex-Springbok could retire if Force axed
May 31, 2017 - 2:47 AM Former Springboks flyhalf Peter Grant concedes he may be forced into retirement if the Western Force are axed from the Super Rugby competition.The ARU have committed to cutting either the Force or the Melbourne Rebels ahead of next season.
Grant has travelled the world playing rugby, spending stints in South Africa, Japan, France and Australia during his decorated career.
But the 32-year-old is now well and truly settled in Perth with his wife and three children, and he doesn't want to move again anytime soon.
Grant, who joined the Force at the end of 2015, is keen to extend his 124-game Super Rugby career into next season.
But if the Force are axed, Grant says it's likely he'll hang up his boots.
"I'd hate to uproot my family again and jet off somewhere else," Grant said.
"My parents live here. My brother lives here. My daughter is now going to school here.
"I'm in that young parent phase of my life where I'm making a lot of friends through my kids.
"I love Perth. I've really enjoyed my time here. My family is very comfortable enjoying it here. I'd hate to leave.
"I might have to go into early retirement if the Force are cut."
Grant, who played five Tests for South Africa earlier in his career, was a high-profile signing when he arrived at the Force in time for the 2016 campaign.
The veteran playmaker lost his love for the game earlier this season after being overlooked for selection during the opening nine rounds.
However, his round-10 recall against the Lions rekindled Grant's passion and he has impressed since.
With No.1 flyhalf Jono Lance still nursing a broken hand, Grant has become a key cog in the side's push for an unlikely finals berth.
He admitted he couldn't help but wonder whether his time was up earlier this year.
"When you're not playing, you feel like the cobwebs set in. And it was hard to mentally get up," Grant said.
"I thought, 'Jeepers, is my time over?'
"But I feel like the bug has bitten me again.
"I've been excited, and it's so good to be back on the park again and playing good rugby.
"I'd love to stay playing Super Rugby next year with the Western Force. This is where I want to be, and (coach) Dave (Wessels) knows that as well.
"I want to be a part of this young team that we're growing out here."
Although he wasn't getting any game time earlier this season, Grant embraced the chance to help fellow flyhalves Lance and Luke Burton improve their games.
Grant will shoulder a huge responsibility on Saturday night when he lines up in a must-win clash with the Hurricanes in Perth.
The Force need to win their remaining three games - against the Hurricanes, Rebels, and Waratahs - to have a chance of topping the Australian conference.
Source: AAP
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