Bitter divorce for Chabal

Racing-Metro announced on Thursday that their divorce from Sébastien Chabal was official and with immediate effect.

Rugbyrama, the French website attached to Midi-Olympique, reported on Friday: "A difference with Pierre Berbizier is the origin of this brutal separation (séparation brutale)."

As reasons for the separation, Racing cited a disagreement about the renewal of Chabal's contract, which expires at the end of the present season, and also the club's playing strategy.

The official statement says that the parting was on good terms. The contract debate and its possible length went on for several weeks. On December 30, 2011, Le Monde reported that Chabal was keen to stay at Racing where things were good.

The next day, club President Jacky Lorenzetti implied that Chabal was expensive in view of the club's economic situation and a drop of 20 to 30% in spectators. Eliminated early from the Heineken Cup and seventh on the Top 14, Racing had won no trophies since its return to the French Championship on 2009 - that despite recruiting top players of whom Chabal was the leading light.

He was rumoured to be the highest paid rugby player in France, earning €1-million year if the rumours are to be believed.

Chabal played 62 times for France, making his debut in 2000 when he was playing for Bourgoin. He signed for Racing from Sale Sharks in 2009.