Wesley Fofana to retire from France duty

France‘s star centre Wesley Fofana has announced that he will retire from international duty after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The 31-year-old has featured 45 times for Les Bleus but has struggled with injury over recent years, playing just once for his country since the end of 2016.

Fofana has scored 15 times for France and, when fit, was one of their most crucial players, but the centre will focus on club matters at Clermont Auvergne after the global tournament later this year.

He said: “It’s all pleasure now, I’m making the most of it because after the World Cup I will stop. I’m doing everything I can to be there, of course, and then I will retire from France. Even if I’m not picked for the World Cup, whatever happens, I’ll stop.

“For me it feels natural. I find it’s a good moment to stop. If it was just me, I wouldn’t think about it (he would continue). But I have signed a long-term contract with my club, I have my wife, my children. I want to experience something great until the World Cup, and then I can focus entirely on my club and my family.

“I’ve already spoken to lots of people about it, especially at the club. Once again, it seems natural. I want to pass on everything I can until the World Cup and after the youngsters will carry the torch, I’m not worried about them.”

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