Castaignede announces retirement
PA Sport
May 10, 2007
France star Thomas Castaignede has announced his retirement from club rugby. The 32-year-old will continue training though, hoping to gain selection for France's tour of New Zealand next month and then the World Cup in September and October. Castaignede, a gifted attacking talent at fly-half, centre or full-back, joined Saracens from French club Castres in 2000, but he has decided not to pursue a new contract with the Guinness Premiership club. ``I knew at the start of the year that this would be my last season,'' Castaignede told The Guardian. ``My years in England have allowed me to experience a different style of rugby, a new culture and some fine people.'' Castaignede's final Saracens appearance came in the 50-9 Premiership play-off defeat against Gloucester at Kingsholm last Saturday, but he is to remain based in north London as he concentrates on a career in banking. Before joining Saracens, he helped Toulouse land four French titles and the Heineken Cup. He added: ``I hope I will go to the World Cup, and then I will stop afterwards. But there are no certainties for anyone, there are several stages to get there. ``However, I will keep training flat out. Mentally and physically, I want to be ready.'' |
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