Former France number eight Imanol Harinordoquy to retire

Omnisports

May 20, 2016 4:59 AM

Imanol Harinordoquy will retire at the end of the season, the former France international has revealed.

___5059133___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5059133___2016___5___21___0___imanolharinordoquy-cropped_3e4nb2f8f4l9149aaeg8nl8hn

The 36-year-old number eight won 82 caps for his country between 2002 and 2012, and was part of the side that reached the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, where they were beaten by New Zealand.

He also won four Six Nations titles, including three Grand-Slam campaigns.

After a storied club career with Pau, Biarritz and Toulouse, Harinordoquy has announced he will step away from the game at the conclusion of 2015-16.

"I will stop at the end of the season," Harinordoquy told L'Equipe. "It will be a bit special when I play my last matches. I am not apprehensive. On the contrary, I am very excited about my final days. I want to win something.

"It has come quite naturally, knowing that I was ready to stop two years ago after a difficult season at Biarritz, with the team's relegation and a knee constantly in pain.

"I nearly ended my career because I could not train any more. Running had become a torture.

"When you get up the day after the game and need four ice packs on your knee, when your son asks you to pass a ball around in the garden and you cannot, you realise you have a life away from rugby."

Toulouse are currently fifth in Top 14, well placed to extend their season into the play-offs.

Omnisports

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!