It's the end of an era at La Rochelle as Gurthrö Steenkamp, the powerhouse prop and 2007 World Cup winner, bids adieu after a four-year stint. Having joined the ranks in 2021, Steenkamp brought his scrummaging prowess to both the main squad and the budding youth, under the watchful eyes of head coach Ronan O’Gara.
The club, in a classic display of formal farewell, confirmed the split via a Tuesday statement, citing a "mutual agreement" to part ways. In the kind of polite tone you'd expect in such communiqués, they expressed their gratitude:
“By mutual agreement, the club and Gurthro Steenkamp have decided to end their collaboration. Stade Rochelais would like to warmly thank Gurthro for his commitment and work over these past four seasons. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career, on and off the field.”
This season wasn’t exactly a highlight reel for La Rochelle, who finished a mediocre seventh in the Top 14, managing 13 wins against 12 defeats, and also crashed out in the round of 16 of the Champions Cup. It seems even the mighty can stumble, and perhaps it’s this stumble that has spurred Steenkamp to seek new pastures.
The man himself took to social media to share his thoughts, painting his departure as a thoughtful and strategic move.
“After deep reflection and discussions with the club, we mutually agreed that it is time for me to leave Stade Rochelais in order to focus on my personal journey and coaching vision,”
said Steenkamp. He continued, expressing gratitude and outlining his aspirations, “I want to thank the club, the staff, the players, the partners and of course the incredible supporters for the past four years. We experienced great moments together and also went through tougher times, and I’m grateful for all of it. As a coach, I aspire to be the best I can be and to take on more responsibility. It’s important for me to focus on my development and growth to have a stronger impact on the field. That’s the kind of player I was, and it’s the kind of coach I want to become.”
As Steenkamp turns the page on his La Rochelle chapter, the rugby world watches keenly. Where will this seasoned veteran bring his expertise next? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—the scrum clinics at La Rochelle will miss their South African giant.
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It's the end of an era at La Rochelle as Gurthrö Steenkamp, the powerhouse prop and 2007 World Cup winner, bids adieu after a four-year stint. Having joined the ranks in 2021, Steenkamp brought his scrummaging prowess to both the main squad and the budding youth, under the watchful eyes of head coach Ronan O’Gara.
The club, in a classic display of formal farewell, confirmed the split via a Tuesday statement, citing a "mutual agreement" to part ways. In the kind of polite tone you'd expect in such communiqués, they expressed their gratitude:
“By mutual agreement, the club and Gurthro Steenkamp have decided to end their collaboration. Stade Rochelais would like to warmly thank Gurthro for his commitment and work over these past four seasons. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career, on and off the field.”
This season wasn’t exactly a highlight reel for La Rochelle, who finished a mediocre seventh in the Top 14, managing 13 wins against 12 defeats, and also crashed out in the round of 16 of the Champions Cup. It seems even the mighty can stumble, and perhaps it’s this stumble that has spurred Steenkamp to seek new pastures.
The man himself took to social media to share his thoughts, painting his departure as a thoughtful and strategic move.
“After deep reflection and discussions with the club, we mutually agreed that it is time for me to leave Stade Rochelais in order to focus on my personal journey and coaching vision,”
said Steenkamp. He continued, expressing gratitude and outlining his aspirations, “I want to thank the club, the staff, the players, the partners and of course the incredible supporters for the past four years. We experienced great moments together and also went through tougher times, and I’m grateful for all of it. As a coach, I aspire to be the best I can be and to take on more responsibility. It’s important for me to focus on my development and growth to have a stronger impact on the field. That’s the kind of player I was, and it’s the kind of coach I want to become.”As Steenkamp turns the page on his La Rochelle chapter, the rugby world watches keenly. Where will this seasoned veteran bring his expertise next? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—the scrum clinics at La Rochelle will miss their South African giant.