French captain retires from global rugby

Retiring France captain Thierry Dusautoir says a lack of Rugby World Cup success is the biggest regret of his nine-year global career.

France will be led by Dusautoir’s long-term Toulouse coach Guy Novès in the Six Nations, and the experienced coach paid tribute to Dusautoir after he announced his decision. “We arrived at the same conclusions”, Dusautoir told L’Equipe. “That is why I am convinced that my choice is dictated by reason”.

“If I had tried to continue, forcing it, I would have shown more vanity than anything else. I believe that this is the wisest decision”.

Dusautoir made his debut for France against Romania in 2006, but made his name with a breathtaking display in France’s 20-18 victory over Nez Zealand in the 2007 World Cup.

“It was clear that I would not play the next World Cup”.

While the impressive back rower’s final moment against the All Blacks was not one to savour, some of his greatest Les Bleus highlights came against the best side in the world.

He scored a try in that famous win.

Dusautoir, a tireless flanker known for his fiery tackling and deft ball-handling skills, made his Test debut in 2006 and played 80 internationals before making his last appearance against old rivals New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.

“My character has always been to give my all for France and for my club before thinking about myself”, Dusautoir added”.

France’s run to the 2011 final was in large part thanks to Dusautoir, who became the team’s undisputed talisman amid a massive fallout between senior players and beleaguered coach Marc Lievremont.

However after France’s elimination in the quarter-finals in this year’s World Cup, he has chose to call time on his worldwide career at the age of 34.