Former France captain Jefferson Poirot has retired from international rugby at the age of 27 due to a lack of motivation.
The Bordeaux-Begles prop said that he made the decision to retire from France duty immediately after his side’s 20-19 defeat to Wales during the Rugby World Cup in October and that he has lacked motivation ever since.
“When the competition finished, a few minutes after the final whistle, I felt empty,” Poirot told L’Equipe.
“The decision was made in a fraction of a second. I feel my motivation is not at its maximum.
“I always promised myself I would be at 100% when playing for France, to not lie. Les Bleus, it’s the Holy Grail. I can’t go and play for them and just take my cap and my bonus.
“It’s not in my character to give up. Taking this decision is much deeper than that.
“It was difficult but it had the contrary effect. It made me feel relief. The decision was even easier to make. I might be criticised, but I haven’t lied to anyone.”
Poirot played 36 Tests for France since making his international debut against Italy in 2016.