Betsen confirms retirement plans

France flanker Serge Betsen has confirmed he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

Betsen will quit his club career with Biarritz when his contract expires in the summer, but is to hang up his international boots with immediate effect.

The flanker, who won 63 caps for France, announced his decision at a specially convened media conference today.

The 33-year-old follows fellow veterans Fabien Pelous, Raphael Ibanez and Christophe Dominici in retiring from Test rugby in the aftermath of the 2007 World Cup.

His last appearance for Les Bleus came in the World Cup semi-final defeat against England.