France captain Thierry Dusautoir quits international game - Ruck

France captain Thierry Dusautoir quits international game

France skipper Thierry Dusautoir has called time on his record-breaking international career.

The Ivory Coast-born flanker, who became a mainstay for Les Bleus, who is France’s most-capped player, held talks with new head coach Guy Noves before deciding to call time on his international career.

“I saw him [Noves] this morning,” Dusautoir says in L’Equipe. “We arrived at the same conclusions. 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.”



It means that Dusautoir’s last ever appearance for Les Bleus was the 62-13 mauling at the hands of eventual champions New Zealand at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup in Cardiff.

Dusautoir’s importance to both club and country was confirmed as he turned in consistently brilliant performances as he captained the French side to the 2010 Grand Slam, starting every game.

He then led his country with distinction at the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand as Les Bleus surpassed all expectations to reach the final, scoring France’s solitary try in the game.

His stellar individual efforts were recognised as he went on to be named IRB player of the year in 2011. The back-rower has been one of the best to play the game in recent times and his presence in the France team will be missed by all rugby fans.