French international to hang up his boots

NEWS: France loose forward Damien Chouly will end his long career when the Top 14 season concludes, the Perpignan player announced on Friday.

The 36-year-old played 46 Tests for France between 2006 and 2017, including the 2015 World Cup, and scored three tries.

"The time has come for me to retire from the rugby pitch," Chouly wrote on his Instagram account.

"Thank you to my family, my coaches, my teammates and the supporters who allowed me to make the right choices and gave me an extra boost on the pitch," he added.

Chouly made his professional debut for Brive in 2004 before joining Perpignan three years later, winning the French title in 2009.

He moved to Clermont in 2012, winning the Brennus Shield for a second time and playing a key role in taking them to three European Cup finals, all of which were lost.

Chouly returned to Perpignan in 2019, helping them to promotion to the Top 14 last season.

With two games remaining this term, they are second from bottom and facing a likely play-off to retain their place in the top flight.

"It's not time to look in the rear view mirror yet," said Chouly. "Today there are two or three games left in order to achieve the club's goal and also my personal goal before retiring."