Springbok hooker James Dalton has stunned rugby circles by announcing his immediate retirement from the game.
The 30 year old announced the news on South African television, saying that he had simply lost his desire to play.
"It has been something I have been thinking of for a month and my heart isn't in it anymore."
"It was causing emotional turmoil in my life and I wasn't doing myself or my team-mates justice."
Dalton returned to the Proteas lineup last season after a three-year absence, playing nine of South Africa's 11 Tests.
His retirement leaves a hole in South Africa's pack as it prepares for the World Cup in Australia later this year. He missed the 1999 tournament due to injury and missed South Africa's World Cup final victory in 1995 due to suspension.
Dalton has been playing with the Cats in the Super 12 this season.
He finishes his national career as the most-capped Springbok hooker with 43 appearances.