Galthie confirms retirement

Fabien Galthie bade an emotional farewell to rugby today before returning home to France following the death of his uncle.

The France captain officially confirmed his decision to retire from all rugby -having told the team management that, after Saturday’s semi-final defeat to England, he did not want to play in the dreaded third-place play-off against New Zealand.

Galthie had originally planned to remain in Australia with the squad, but the passing of his uncle to cancer meant he was to return home earlier than planned.

“The moment I retire from rugby, he died,” said Galthie.

Retirement from international rugby was always on the cards for the 34-year-old, but Galthie revealed today he has no plans to play for Stade Francais either.

“My last match was the semi-final against England, so no more rugby for me. Today I am here to announce that officially,” he said.

“While I have prepared for this moment, I feel different now that I am actually here. For a long time I have been living, eating and sleeping rugby every day of my life. But I have prepared for my movement back into a normal life which starts tomorrow.

“My rugby licence remains with Stade Francais, although I won’t be playing.

“It’s like a small death when a player leaves, but life goes on. I am very emotional about leaving but I have some great memories.

“It is very emotional to think about this – and all I can say is that it was very nice. It was fantastic.”

Galthie will start work as a television commentator while working to help lay the ground for the 2007 World Cup in Paris and the capital’s Olympic bid.

“I have signed two specific agreements,” he said.

“One is to be commentator on rugby, which gives me a chance to stay involved but in a less pressured way.

“The other thing I have done is sign an agreement with the Mayor of Paris, who has asked me to take on three specific missions.

“One is to work with kids in schools educating them in the values of sport; the second is to prepare Paris in terms of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and the third is to help mobilise people to support the French Olympic bid.”