During the course of his first game for his adopted province last season, he dislocated his shoulder and tore the supra-spinatus from the bone. He returned to South Africa, where extensive reconstructive surgery was performed. Subsequently, he has undergone intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the hope of representing Ulster this season. However, during a practice leading up to the first Celtic League game, he fell badly on the shoulder and damaged it again.

Following a meeting with Dr. Joe De Beer in Dublin on Wednesday night (Sept 4th), he has been left with no option but to retire from all forms of rugby.

Ulster coach Alan Solomons said, "the loss of Robbie, who represented the Springboks during the 1995 World Cup, the Stormers since the inception of the Super 10/12 and Western Province for over a decade is inestimable. It is disappointing that his career has to end on this note, but looking at the positives, he has been able to play at the top level for many years. He has shown tremendous resilience in overcoming many setbacks. I have been privileged to coach him since he was a University student. He is not only a top-flight player who has proved his worth at every level but also a fantastic man. Coaching Robbie has been an enriching experience for me and I know he will be successful in whatever career he pursues.