Get Newsletter

Szarzewski also heads into retirement village

The 32-year-old Racing forward played in three World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015) and won three Six Nations' titles in 2006, 2007 and 2010, the latter being a Grand Slam triumph.

ADVERTISEMENT

"It's a decision, I've thought hard about and made up my mind a few weeks ago. It's something I've been thinking about for some time," said Szarzewski at Racing's weekly press conference just outside Paris.

"I have told the staff of the France team and Racing 92. I need to dedicate more time to my family and my club," he added.

"It's been an honour and given me great pride to represent my country and pull on the French shirt 83 times.Szarzewski also heads into retirement village

Szarzewski's last match for France was their heavy World Cup quarter-final defeat, against eventual champions New Zealand, when the All Blacks ran out 62-13 winners.

"When I heard the final whistle, I knew it was my last match with Les Bleus but I finish with a World Cup adventure." he added.

The announcement comes just days after former France captain Thierry Dusautoir announced his international retirement after winning 80 caps and leading the team to the 2011 World Cup final.

ADVERTISEMENT

Second row forward Pascal Pape (65 caps) and maverick fly-half Frederick Michalak (77 caps) have also announced their decision to retire from international rugby.

Agence France-Presse

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

Loughborough Lightning vs Harlequins | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Round 9 Highlights | PWR 2024/25

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Write A Comment