FORMER FRANCE INTERNATIONAL Sebastien Chabal will join Top 14 outfit Lyon Olympique Universitaire next season.
The back row, who won 62 caps for France, left Metro Racing two months ago over a contract extension disagreement and played a one-off match for Balmain in Sydney, Australia. Lyon are bottom of the French Top 14 standings and will likely play in the second division next season.
“I chose Lyon for the human side, for the adventure that this club has offered me,” the 34-year-old said after penning a two-year deal with the club.
“I’ve been playing rugby for 15 years, my career is coming to a close and I wanted to end it with a human adventure. I wanted to build something and it’s Lyon that have offered me the best project for these next two seasons, with a good status as a player within the club. All that made me willing to come here today.”
Chabal, nicknamed the ‘Caveman’ for his distinctive long hair and beard, said that despite his ageing body, his heart and mind were still in the game and he was keen to continue playing – even at a lower level.
“I could have stopped two months ago. I thought about it. But my legs and my stomach are still running around when I watch a rugby game. So I thought it’s stupid. I still want to play, to share, to bring people together — whatever the league, that’s’ not important,” he said.
“I would have liked it to be in the Top 14. We still hope it will be the Top 14.”
