'Rugby hurts and the accumulation of wounds tells me that I have to stop,' says a pained Szarzewski
Newly-retired Dimitri Szarzewski has given a sobering insight into the punishment his body has taken during a lengthy playing career he abruptly brought to an end in recent weeks.
The 36-year-old, who was capped 83 times by France, has told rugbyrama.fr that the pain he was suffering had become too much and it was time to get out and move into a different role at Racing 92 (he will work next season with the club’s academy).
“It will not have escaped anyone, I have not been spared from injury in recent years,” he said. “Today, my body tells me stop. Rugby, it hurts and the accumulation of wounds tells me that I have to stop.
“I had the opportunity to do some extra months but rugby causes me unbearable pain and it's time to stop. It's been a few weeks since I made my decision. I announced it to my team-mates during the training near Perpignan (on May 18).
“I tried to re-train on Tuesday, but in the end I had neck pain and Achilles tendon pain. At that point, you have to know how to listen to your body.
“Preparing for it, it's a difficult step. I have always known rugby, it is part of my life. It's even the most important thing for me with my family. I have been a professional since I was 18 and I only knew that.
“This is not trivial. Having discussed with other players who have stopped their career, it is a very difficult passage. It takes time,” he said before going on to list the major injuries he suffered.
“I had seven surgeries: the right orbital, the left shoulder, the left Achilles tendon, the right ankle, the cervical, the left bicep and the right shoulder. That makes a lot!
“My body is suffering and I’m no longer in possession of all my means to continue. Even trying, even with the best of intentions, is too difficult.
“Even if I could continue a few more months, with my captain status it's hard to give advice, to speak and not to set an example on the ground.
“This is not my conception of rugby. When you are a player, it is to be on the field and accompany your friends. This is no longer the case... I spend the majority of my time on the medical table and it is no longer possible.”
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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