Frederic Michalak set for retirement at end of season

France international Frederic Michalak has announced that he will quit professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

The half-back is currently associated with French club Lyon and has represented Toulouse, Super Rugby side Sharks and Toulon before making his switch to Lyon in a stellar 17-year-career.

In 2015, he also surpassed Christophe Lamaison record to become France's leading point-scorer and has 436 of it from 77 Tests. He was also part of the French team that clinched Six Nations Grand Slams in 2002, 2004 and 2010 and also competed in three World Cups.

Michalak, who tweeted last week that Monday would be "the time to announce whether or not I will continue my career", has now revealed his decision.

Quoted by Le 10 Sport, he said: "After a long period of reflection and despite an offer from a club, I am calling an end to my career at the end of this season.

"I still want to play but it will be the same situation if I push on for a year. It is not mental, it is the body which says to stop.

"You have to know when to stop. I am 35 and it is starting to become more and more difficult. I told myself this year is the right time to finish."