Former Springbok Ruan Pienaar says he has no regrets over announcing his international retirement two years ago despite continuing to play top-flight rugby.
Pienaar played the last of his 88 Tests in the Boks' final game at the World Cup in 2015, while he announced his international retirement towards the end of 2016.
The 34-year-old enjoyed an illustrious career with the Durban-based Sharks and then Irish club Ulster, before making the move to French side Montpellier last year.
In an interview with KweséESPN, Pienaar insisted that he "does not regret any decision" in his career.
"I loved playing for the Sharks and am still a supporter. I also loved living in Durban. The same for my seven-and-a-half good years in Northern Ireland,” said Pienaar.
"When I retire one day I will look back and think I have played for some great teams and with some great players... I am very happy with where I am now.
"I've got a young family and when you live abroad, you do sense that you need to spend a bit more time at home.
"There is lots of talent in South Africa and I'm getting on at 34 now, so it was a good time. I had a great time being involved, experienced some great things and played with some great players, but I'm very happy with my decision."
Pienaar also warned against the dangers of being branded as a "utility player".
"That versatility tag is sometimes not the greatest thing as you are seen as a bench player to cover a few positions. I enjoyed playing a bit of flyhalf, fullback and scrumhalf, but the latter is the position I enjoyed most.
"You see a lot of players that never really reach the potential as they should have because they have this “versatility tag” and are seen as an impact player. So it probably isn’t the greatest thing."