ARGENTINA

Pichot calls time on Pumas

Saturday 12th July 2008

Pichot: Respecting the shirt by stepping down

Argentina legend Agustin Pichot has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old, who won 72 caps for his country in a memorable career at the base of the scrum, captained the Pumas as they finished third at last year's World Cup in France.

However, Pichot believes he is no longer physically or mentally prepared for the rigours of the international game and will now miss next month's Test match in South Africa, for which he had been included in the squad.

"This week, I spoke to my wife and family and decided I would not play against South Africa," said the scrum-half.

"I am not in the right physical or psychological state to face this game.

"I spoke to Tati [coach Santiago Phelan] and we agreed that to play for the national team you have to be 100 per cent. If not, you're no use.

"I thought it would be disrespectful to the shirt to carry on. I felt that something was missing, that I wasn't right. I would have been letting myself, my family and the lads down."