South African double Olympian Ryan Julius has announced his retirement from international outdoor hockey, closing the chapter on an illustrious career that spanned nearly a decade. Julius, known for his flair, creativity, and relentless energy on the field, bids farewell to the international stage following his final appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Reflecting on his decision, Julius shared:
“For the past 10 years, playing for the South African Men’s outdoor hockey team has been such a tremendous part of my life. It has provided me with countless friendships and memories. The lessons I have learned have shaped me not only as a competitor but also as a human being.”
“This decision has not come lightly yet effortlessly at the same time. It is a bag of mixed emotions, but ultimately, I have come to the decision to retire from the outdoor national team setup. The journey to this moment has been enjoyable and incredibly rewarding—I, for one, would like to depart the game on that note.”
Julius made his international debut in January 2016, stepping onto the field at Hartleyvale in a 3-3 draw against Ireland. Later that year, he represented South Africa at the FIH Junior World Cup in India, marking the beginning of his journey on the global stage.
His senior career saw him feature in several marquee tournaments, including the 2017 FIH World League in Johannesburg. He netted his first senior international goal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Canada. Julius continued to be an instrumental player for South Africa at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he scored in the semi-final against India.
Beyond the Commonwealth Games, he played a key role in South Africa’s historic FIH Nations Cup triumph in 2022. He also proudly donned the green and gold at the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup. However, the pinnacle of his career was representing South Africa at two Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024)—a feat that few achieve.
Julius hangs up his stick with 86 international caps to his name, leaving behind a legacy of grit, passion, and pure love for South African hockey.
Shaune Baatjies, Interim CEO of SA Hockey, paid tribute to Julius’ contribution to the sport:
“Ryan Julius has been an incredible ambassador for South African hockey, both on and off the field. His dedication, skill, and love for the game have inspired many young players across the country. His presence in the national setup will be missed. We wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his journey.”
As Julius steps away from the international stage, he does so with immense pride, gratitude, and appreciation for the teammates, coaches, and supporters who have been part of his journey.
“Thank you for trusting me to wear the #19 jersey.”
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