Rugby is more than a game – for many, it’s a calling. A lifelong dream fuelled by commitment, courage and perseverance. For former Lions loose forward Ruhan Straeuli, it was all of that and more. With the game woven into his DNA, his journey was always destined to follow the rugby path. But even the most determined dreams can take an unexpected turn. A serious neck injury and spinal surgery have brought his professional playing career to an early close.
A career cut short, a legacy intact
As the son of former Springbok, national coach and current Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli, rugby was in Ruhan’s blood from the very beginning. But after a sudden neck injury and surgery, his time on the field came to an unexpected end. It’s a tough reality for any player, especially one who felt his best chapters were still ahead. Yet Ruhan faces this moment with honesty, maturity and deep gratitude.
Where it all began
“My rugby journey started the day I was born,” Ruhan Straeuli says with a smile. “Growing up in the Straeuli household, rugby was always going to be part of my life, whether I chose to play or not.”
While his entry into the sport may have felt inevitable, Ruhan was determined to carve out his own identity through hard work and resilience. “My URC debut really stands out. Jannie du Plessis and I debuted together and that was special because of the role he played in my journey,” he recalls.
There were unforgettable highlights along the way. “Playing against the British & Irish Lions is a memory I’ll always cherish. Every tour had its own magic, the culture within the Lions team was something you can’t quite explain.”
What made the journey even more meaningful was sharing it with his father, Rudolf. Touring together and being part of the same professional setup created moments that went far beyond the game.
“Being able to go on tours with my dad and experience professional rugby with him was a true privilege,” Ruhan says. “We’ve had some incredible father-son moments. It wasn’t always easy, but the support, advice and bond we share will always mean more than any outside noise.”
Even during the challenging times, his father remained a steady presence. “There weren’t many games or weeks that went by without him offering some kind of advice. Having that support throughout my career was a real blessing.”
Pride in perseverance
Looking back, it’s not the accolades that define his journey, it’s the battles he overcame. “What I’m most proud of is how I kept going. I faced so many challenges behind the scenes that people didn’t see, but I pushed through them.”
The injury that changed everything
What began as a nagging discomfort became something far more serious. “When I started experiencing strength loss on my right-hand side, I knew something wasn’t right,” he says.
Surgery followed in March and thankfully, recovery went smoothly, something Ruhan credits to the Spine Africa team and the Lions’ medical staff. But making the call to retire wasn’t easy.
“Letting go of something you’ve loved since you were a kid… it’s incredibly tough. You start questioning everything. It’s hard not to feel like you’ve failed, even when you know you haven’t.”
Support through transition
Despite the emotional weight, Ruhan says the support from the rugby community has been a lifeline. “The backing from MyPlayers, the wider rugby network, my family and friends, it’s been incredible. That’s when you really see how strong this rugby family is.”
He also credits therapy for helping him navigate the emotional toll. “Two years ago, I started seeing a psychologist through MyPlayers and it changed my life. I’d recommend it to every player. Not just when things go wrong, but to stay mentally strong through the highs and lows.”
He also gives a heartfelt mention to former coach Wessel Roux: “Wessel has been there for me even after I stopped playing. I’m so grateful.”
Life beyond rugby
Adjusting to life after rugby hasn’t been easy.“I miss my teammates, the banter, the competitiveness. I love to compete and not having that daily challenge has been hard.”
Still, he’s finding his feet. “I’ve started working at a sports commercialisation company called Sail. That’s my focus now, building a new career, learning a new side of sport.”
And while he’s stepped away from playing, rugby will always remain close. “I’m not sure in what capacity yet, but I’d love to stay involved. Rugby gave me so much. I want to give back.”
Lessons learned
His biggest takeaway? “Don’t plan too far ahead. Stay present. I spent so much energy worrying about things that never happened. And now I’m retired. That energy could’ve been spent just enjoying the moment.”
He’s also found comfort in other sports. “Golf, tennis, even just watching sports has helped me find some healing.”
How he wants to be remembered
More than anything, Ruhan hopes his legacy lives beyond the scoreboard. “I’d like to be remembered as a good teammate. Someone who was committed on the field and fun to be around off it.”
From all of us at MyPlayers, we salute Ruhan Straeuli, for his fight, his humility and for showing us that even when a dream is cut short, the legacy it leaves behind can endure far longer. And we wish him well in his future endeavours!