Montgomery quits internationals

Percy Montgomery made his debut 11 years ago against the Lions

Veteran South African full-back Percy Montgomery has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Montgomery made the announcement after the Springboks recorded a stunning 53-8 Tri-Nations victory over Australia.

The World Cup-winning 34-year-old played a record 102 Tests for his country and scored 893 points.

"There have been plenty of highs and lows in my career, and it's been an honour to wear the Springbok jersey. But it is time to go." he said.

"This has been coming for quite a while," added Montgomery, who won his 100th cap against New Zealand earlier in August.

It has been a privilege to play for my country Percy Montgomery

"With the new laws and a new era in front of us with the way rugby is played and with a new coach (Peter de Villiers), it is the right time.

"I have had many memorable moments in a Springbok jersey and it has been a privilege to play for my country and to go around the world playing against so many great players of other countries."

Montgomery was a key member of the 2007 World Cup-winning side in what has been a glittering 11-year international career.

During that 11-year spell he spent two years in international exile when he joined Newport in Wales in 2002 and then the Dragons a season later.

However, after a change in selection policy he returned to the fold in 2004 and broke every points record, except tries scored.

After leaving the Dragons, Montgomery joined French outfit Perpignan before returning to South Africa.

Montgomery will continue with his provincial career at Western province in Cape Town and has also made himself available for the Western Stormers in next season's Super 14 competition.

"I want to thank De Villiers, Gary Gold and Dick Muir (the assistant Boks coaches) and the selectors for recalling me to the side after the World Cup last year," said Montgomery.

"They gave me the opportunity to come back to South Africa and play eight more Tests and get to the 100 mark."