Veteran Warriors wicketkeeper-batsman Davy Jacobs has retired from South African domestic cricket with immediate effect.

Jacobs was born in Klerksdorp and played for the Bloemfontein-based Eagles before moving to the Eastern Cape franchise.

‘This is an emotional time for me, but I think I had almost made the decision in August last year and have just not been able to make the announcement. I have always done things for the right reason and I think that this is the right time to step away,’ said Jacobs.

‘I have been over-training all my life – there are no half-measures and I think that this has led to my body breaking down. I was hoping to push it another few years, but I don’t think it will be fair on myself or the Warriors.’

The talented right-hander also represented the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, Northamptonshire on the English county circuit and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in the Caribbean Premier League through the latter half of a solid career that started in 2002.

‘I would like to keep my T20 prospects open and I might spend some time playing in the UK during the winter. When I get back I will assess the situation and make decisions from there,’ he added.

Relatively successful stints with Mumbai in 2011 and 2012 brought the coveted opportunity to play alongside Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar – and fellow international recruits like Andrew Symonds and Lasith Malinga.

‘As a youngster, probably aged about nine, I remember having a playing card with Tendulkar on it – at that stage he had played three Tests and was only 19. Walking out on that field with Tendulkar was something that I had been working towards all this time,’ concluded the 32-year-old Jacobs.