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Fofana announces international retirement plans


France's Wesley Fofana (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
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Wesley Fofana will walk away from international rugby at the end of 2019.

The Clermont back has only played once for France since November 2016 as injuries have taken their toll.

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The 31-year-old is included in France’s 31-man squad for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations, with France opening the tournament against Wales on February 1st in Paris.

“It’s all pleasure now, I’m making the most of it because after the World Cup I will stop. I’m doing everything I can to be there, of course, and then I will retire from France.

“Even if I’m not picked for the World Cup, whatever happens, I’ll stop.

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Fofana has picked up 45 caps, scoring 15 tries.

He made a huge impression when making his debut during the 2012 Six Nations, scoring four tries in four matches.

He is rated as the Top 14’s third best inside centre in the RugbyPass Index, with an impressive RPI of 82, which also puts him as 12th best in his position in the world.

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He signed a four-year contract with Clermont at the beginning of this season and has been at the club since 2008.

“For me it feels natural. I find it’s a good moment to stop. If it was just me, I wouldn’t think about it (continuing). But I have signed a long-term contract with my club, I have my wife, my children. I want to experience something great until the World Cup, and then I can focus entirely on my club and my family.

“I’ve already spoken to lots of people about it, especially at the club. Once again, it seems natural. I want to pass on everything I can until the World Cup and after the youngsters will carry the torch, I’m not worried about them.”

France are in Pool C at the Rugby World Cup, alongside England, Argentina, USA and Tonga.

You may also like: Rugby World Cup Japan city guide – Oita

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Phantom 40 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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