France fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc to hang up his boots

Planet Rugby

France's Francois Trinh-Duc during the NatWest 6 Nations match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday March 17, 2018. See PA story RUGBYU Wales. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use. No use in books without prior written permission from WRU.

Bordeaux-Begles’ former France fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old last represented Les Bleus in March 2018, winning his 66th Test appearance after making his debut a decade earlier.

The playmaker, who also donned the colours of Montpellier, Toulon and Racing 92, won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2010 before narrowly losing the 2011 Rugby World Cup final to the All Blacks.

“It’s time to stop. When I started, in unique clubs like Montpellier and Toulon, where seasons can sometimes feel like twice as long, I never thought I would last as long,” he told L’Equipe.

“I’m not the same on the pitch as I was eight years ago, physically and other things. It’s what’s a bit difficult now,” he added.

Trinh-Duc is set to feature for Bordeaux-Begles this weekend as they travel to Wales to take on the Scarlets in the European Champions Cup.