Dusautoir rues lack of World Cup success for France

Retiring France captain Thierry Dusautoir says a lack of Rugby World Cup success is the biggest regret of his nine-year international career.

Flanker Dusatoir called time on his international career on Friday after winning 80 caps, with a record 56 appearances as skipper.

The 34-year-old - who led France to the 2011 World Cup final, where they were agonisingly beaten 8-7 by New Zealand - played his final game for his country in their quarter-final defeat to the All Blacks in this year's World Cup.

Dusatoir decided to retire following discussions with new France coach Guy Noves, and the Toulouse man is satisfied that he has made the right call.

"After the World Cup, I preferred to take time to reflect with my family," he told L'Equipe. "I was very disappointed with the way things ended. I needed to digest the disappointment.

"It was clear that I would not play the next World Cup.

"I have always set big goals, but this one isn't up my alley. It has never been my intention to just try to win a few more caps. I also think that I needed to make the most of my final years in rugby.

"Very few athletes get to choose when they exit."

Dusatoir added: "If I had played the next tournament nothing says I would have finished on a more positive note.

"I have regrets concerning the World Cup as a whole, the way in which we have been unable to enjoy the moments that we spent together.

"I wanted to be champion of the world, to win this title for the team of France. It was close four years ago, but it was not my destiny."