France great Morgan Parra to retire at end of season - Report

France scrum-half Morgan Parra is set to retire at the end of the ongoing season according to a report.

It will also mark an end to a stellar 17-year professional rugby career that saw him make his debut for Bourgoin in 2006. He made a switch to Clermont in 2009 and on his maiden season he went on to win the Top 14 title for his club.

Apparently the 34-year-old went on to make over 300 appearances for Clermont during which he helped them reach three Champions Cup Finals and won one Challenge Cup and two Top 14 titles.

“You have to know when to say ‘Stop’. I didn’t want to play one season too many, the year when you are no longer enjoying it,” said Parra who has played 15 club games this season," he told French daily L’Equipe on Monday.

“I always told myself that I would stop in 2022, at the end of my deal my with Clermont…

“I’m ready. It’s the right time. This new adventure with the staff of Laurent (Labit) and Karim (Ghezal) also comes at the right time.”

According to French broadcasters Canal+, Parra, who has played for France in 71 games is set to join Stade Francais coaching group ahead of the new season but could extend his playing career by few months until the 2023 Rugby World Cup if he is selected.