RACING 92 HOOKER Dimitri Szarzewski has announced his retirement from Test rugby at the age of 32.
The 83-times capped front row follows France captain Thierry Dusautoir, grizzled prop Nicolas Mas, controversial lock Pascal Papé and mercurial out-half Frédéric Michalak in calling time on their international careers following this year’s World Cup.
Toulouse legend Guy Novès has taken over from Philippe Saint-André as head coach of les Bleus in the wake of the hugely disappointing performance at the global tournament and will have to plan without those experienced names.
Szarzewski made his France debut in 2004 against Canada, going on to help his nation to three Six Nations titles, with the 2010 victory seeing the French complete a Grand Slam. The hooker also played in three World Cups, featuring off the bench in the 2011 final defeat to New Zealand.
Having missed out on involvement in the Six Nations earlier in the year, Szarzewski featured twice during the 2015 World Cup.
“It’s the end of a cycle, a new start,” Szarzewski told Rugbyrama. “The France team must do without me in the future. Young talents are coming through, and to prepare ideally for the 2019 World Cup, they need to play in the 2016 Six Nations.
“It has been an honour and a source of pride to represent my country and wear the French jersey 83 times.”
French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique has reported that France’s first-choice World Cup hooker, Guilhem Guirado, will be installed as les Bleus‘ captain in place of the retired Dusautoir.
Interesting read. However you’d imagine players (as humans) would do their research on these things before committing. Probably blinded by the money at first but just shows it’s not everything.
@Barry Lehane: professional footballers live in a bubble, I’m not sure they would do too much research
The Saudi league is turning out to be just like the China League.
Fair play to these footballers for getting to the top of their profession. But it’s hard to listen to a 29 year old professional footballer giving out about his quietly of life when he’s getting well paid. You went there mate. Cry me a fxxking river.
@David Staed: quality
@David Staed: correct
Wonder what he was expecting? Doesn’t strike me as the fizziest drink in the fridge.
So sorry to hear these guys are unhappy crying all the way to the bank
Saudi project will fail.
If you’re only means of attracting players is throwing big money at them you had better make sure you’re actually good for it.
Refusing to honour contracts and stiffing players won’t do your reputation any favours! And what can players do? Sue them? In a Saudi Court?
Back to the civilised democratic world lads.
@Dan P: Good post Dan.