France flanker Serge Betsen has confirmed he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
Betsen will quit his club career with Biarritz when his contract expires in the summer, but is to hang up his international boots with immediate effect.
The flanker, who won 63 caps for France, announced his decision at a specially convened media conference today.
The 33-year-old follows fellow veterans Fabien Pelous, Raphael Ibanez and Christophe Dominici in retiring from Test rugby in the aftermath of the 2007 World Cup.
His last appearance for Les Bleus came in the World Cup semi-final defeat against England.
Betsen said: ``I suffered an injury [back] just after the World Cup, and it has caused me concern.
``Even if I could play again with my club, I am not at 100% to demand a place in the France team.
``My internional career has come to an end. I am still under contract until the end of the season with Biarritz.
``At the end of the season, I will end my career with Biarritz.''
Betsen made his debut for France in 1997 in a Test against Italy, but then had to wait until 2000 for his next cap.
After that, he was a regular pick under the then coach Bernard Laporte.
He appeared in both of France's World Cup semi-final defeats to England, in 2003 and 2007.
In the 2003 game, he scored a try to put Les Bleus ahead but was later sin-binned for tripping as France suffered at the hands of Jonny Wilkinson.
France coach Marc Lievremont has already named lock Lionel Nallet as his new captain. The coach will announce his first squad on Jan. 22.
Click here to view Serge Bestsen's international record