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The back in action against Ireland in 2012. AP/Press Association Images
CALLING IT A DAY

Former France international Poitrenaud retires after Toulouse don't renew his contract

He won 47 caps for Les Blues.

FRENCH INTERNATIONAL BACK Clement Poitrenaud has called time on his rugby career with Toulouse and in France after a season marred by injury.

Capped 47 times for his country, mainly at full-back and centre, Poitrenaud started playing for Toulouse under coach Guy Noves when he was just 19 in 2001.

He became a stalwart in the Toulouse side that won four national titles between 2001 and 2012 and three European cups.

He also played for France in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and won three Six Nations crowns.

“The club decided against offering me a contract extension and so I decided to end my career at Stade Toulouse because I cannot see myself playing for another club in France or in Europe,” Poitrenaud said.

He said that despite the nagging ankle injury that sidelined him this season when he started in just seven games overall, his reason for stopping playing was not physical and that he intended to play Pro Rugby in the United States in 2017.

He also said that he would remain in close contact with Toulouse and that he was in talks with them over a new project he could not yet disclose.

© – AFP, 2016

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