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South African-born utility back Louis Ludik says he wants to stay in Ireland once his professional rugby career ends.
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The 33-year-old, who can play wing and fullback, has played for Irish club Ulster since 2014 and told the Irish Mirror that fears of returning home will keep him in Belfast.
South Africa's high crime rate is making Ludik and his wife Chamé having second thoughts about returning.
In November last year, Chamé shared a video online of a 56-year-old South African woman who was stopped at a crossroads and shot dead in her car.
"It's no shock, really, no," Ludik told the Irish publication. "That happens, probably every day. Somewhere. There's so many murders, and things like that happening. It's scary... it's shocking to watch but it's a reality.
"The scary thing is that's the norm in South Africa. Because violence is everywhere, you get used to it. So when you step out of that environment, you realise how unnatural it actually is."
Ludik added that his wife and sister had been involved in smash-and-grad incidents in South Africa, while his wife's father had also been hijacked.
During his time in South Africa, Ludik played for the Lions (2006-2009) and Sharks (2010-2013), before playing a season for Agen in France before joining Ulster.
- Compiled by Sport24 staff
