France captain Fabien Galthie has pulled out of Thursday's World Cup playoff against New Zealand and has now officially retired from international rugby.
The French skipper announced earlier in the year that he would hang up his boots at the end of the tournament and has now decided to quit after his side were beaten 24-7 by England in yesterday's semi-final.
"We have too much respect for Fabien not to accept his decision. We have always told him that he will choose the day he will retire," France manager Jo Maso said today.
"We lose a great player and a great man and for him it's a little death but all former international players have been through this kind of thing so I am sure he will overcome it."
Galthie (34) won 64 caps and played in four World Cups.
