JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa fullback Percy Montgomery announced his retirement from international rugby on Saturday after the Springboks' resounding 53-8 victory over Australia in a Tri-Nations match.

"Not many players get to choose when they want to leave test rugby, and I think that's what makes it so special for me because I know that at test level it's time to go," the country's most capped player and leading points-scorer told reporters.

"I've had many memorable moments in the Springbok jersey and some very testing ones as well, but I'd never exchange one moment of either the highs or lows.

"It's been a privilege to play for my country and to play in some of the best teams the world has seen," added the player, who earned his 102nd cap against Australia on Saturday.

Joost van der Westhuizen, with 89 caps, is South Africa's second most capped player.

Montgomery scored 893 points in an illustrious 11-year career that spanned South Africa's successful Tri-Nations championships in 1998 and 2004, as well as winning the World Cup in France last year.

"I was asked why I would come back after the high of winning the World Cup in France, but for me every time I put on a bok jersey was a high and I got to do that eight more times this year," he said.

Montgomery said he would continue to play for Western Province in the Currie Cup this year and was also available for the Stormers next season."

"Most importantly I'd like to spend time with my family, it's quite difficult going overseas for four weeks at a time," said the player. "I've been doubling-up seasons from the World Cup and my body just needs a break."

(Reporting by Zelim Nel, editing by Alan Baldwin)