It's an honour to represent your country in six Tests and a World Cup at the tender age of 22, two years after a successful Junior Bok campaign, but in the end the multi-talented Jorrie Muller paid the price of versatility and the most turbulent time in Springbok history.

It is fair to say that the former Springbok centre didn't have a stellar Springbok career - six caps in all - but he is a victim and a painful symbol of a turbulent time in Bok history. Muller was thrust into the Springbok team as a callow 22-year-old in 2003 at the very moment the Springboks entered their worst period in the professional era.

His brief Test career coincided with a race row, Kamp Staaldraad and the Boks' worst World Cup campaign ever. Few reputations were enhanced in the era and, in Muller's case, he was the most obvious victim of collateral damage as a result of Rudolf Straeuli's paranoid reign.

It's easy to forget that Muller was a key member of the 2002 SA Under-21 team that won the inaugural world championship on home soil. He played at fullback in all six matches and was recognised as one of the brightest talents in a team of future stars.

Muller was a talented scrumhalf at school, fullback at Junior Bok level and covered most positions at provincial level. Loffie Eloff believes that Muller was a victim of his versatility and that he should have specialised as an inside centre.

Muller celebrates his 41st birthday today and he can proudly look back on his achievements on the rugby field and in business. He also briefly coached the Leopards at an age during he could easily still have played.