Jauzion to retire after 2011 Rugby World Cup

[Intercept King JDV]

France and Toulouse centre Yannick Jauzion has announced that he will end his international career with France after the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

"Yes, it will obviously be my last World Cup. And also my last international season," Jauzion, 32, told French daily Le Figaro in an interview to be published on Saturday.

"Afterwards I'll focus uniquely on my club. Playing for France is a great honour but it also means lots of accumulated fatigue.

"You pay for it, especially at the end of your career. You need to know how to look after yourself."
Jauzion made his France debut in 2004 and has since made 68 international appearances, scoring 20 tries.

He won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2004 and 2010 and the championship in 2007.

He joined Toulouse from Colomiers in 2002 and went on to win the European Cup three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2010, as well as the 2008 French ***le.

Speaking about ending his career in New Zealand, he said: "It's an incredible target, in a country that loves rugby so much and where I lived for three months while I was at my engineering and agricultural school.

"I have lots of affinity with the country and I'd really love to participate at the World Cup."

Source

Certainly one of French Rugby's best no.12 and one of my favorite French players!

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

A bit of a shame, that. He was one of the most complete centres in the world, and always a joy to watch. Except when he's playing against Wales. Then he's a nightmare.

 

[Charles]

Yeah, that was always gonna happen one day. All french fans knew it was gonna happen but still it's hard to imagine the team without him. mermoz isn't really performing, Bastareaud is a 13, Trinh-Duc would be good but then we'd need a 10...Either way, that's gonna be big shoes to fill.

A great player and a great person as well.

 

[squirrel]

shame i never seen the best of him, only got o see him in internationals, but i thought he played in the 03 world cup

 

[Thingimubob]

yeahh i was thinking that his international career will have been relatively short compared to some players at only 7 years, most seem to last around 10?

 

[Feicarsinn]

yeahh i was thinking that his international career will have been relatively short compared to some players at only 7 years, most seem to last around 10?

He made his debut in 2001, that'll be 10 years by 2011.

 

[munstermuffin]

Wonder will he last long after it with club.

 

[Charles]

Probably a year. He think he will end up in the staff, and maybe not on the rugby side of things...

 

[Amobokoboko]

Great player

 

[Iron Mike]

My opinion the second best inside centre in the world, behind Ma'a Nonu. Complete player, the blockbusting hard running centre with a brilliant kicking game and can kick at goal, alongside a very solid defensive game and leadership he brings.