Betsen calls it quits

Biarritz flanker to retire from all rugby at the end of the season

Last updated: 16th January 2008

Betsen Serge France Sep 07

Betsen: Has announced his retirement

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Veteran French flanker Serge Betsen has confirmed he will quit rugby at the end of the season.

Betsen, who has also stepped down from international rugby with immediate effect, was named world player of the year in 2002.

However after winning 63 caps - and two Grand Slam crowns - Betsen has decided to hang up his boots.

The 33-year-old Biarritz forward made the announcement at the town hall in the Paris suburb of Clichy-la-Garenne, saying: "I have decided to end my international career.

"Before last year's World Cup, I told myself that would be my final challenge on the international level.

"I am still under contract with Biarritz until the end of the season, but when that is over, I will be through with playing.

"I was injured just before the World Cup and that posed me a lot of problems.

"Even if I was able to get back playing for my club, I am not in a position to play again at the top international level."

Betsen joins fellow France internationals Fabien Pelous, Raphael Ibanez and Christophe Dominici in quitting after the World Cup - in which the side disappointed in finishing fourth.