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Szarzewski announces retirement

Paris - Hooker Dimitri Szarzewski announced his international retirement on Wednesday after a career that saw him make 83 appearances for France. 

The 32-year-old Racing forward played in three Rugby World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015) and won three Six Nations' titles in 2006, 2007 and 2010, the latter being a Grand Slam triumph. 

"It's a decision, I've thought hard about and made up my mind a few weeks ago. It's something I've been thinking about for some time," said Szarzewski at Racing's weekly press conference just outside Paris. 

"I have told the staff of the France team and Racing 92. I need to dedicate more time to my family and my club," he added. 

"It's been an honour and given me great pride to represent my country and pull on the French shirt 83 times. 

Szarzewski's last match for France was their heavy World Cup quarter-final defeat, against eventual champions New Zealand, when the All Blacks ran out 62-13 winners. 

"When I heard the final whistle, I knew it was my last match with Les Bleus but I finish with a World Cup adventure." he added. 

The announcement comes just days after former France captain Thierry Dusautoir announced his international retirement after winning 80 caps and leading the team to the 2011 World Cup final.

Second row forward Pascal Pape (65 caps) and maverick flyhalf Frederick Michalak (77 caps) have also announced their decision to retire from international rugby.

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