France’s recently retired Dimitri Szarzewski has described how pain was the main cause behind him leaving the sport.
The 36-year-old has been capped 83 times by France and told rugbyrama.fr that pain and the effects on his body are the reason that he had to call time on a sensational career.
“It will not have escaped anyone, I have not been spared from injury in recent years. 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),” he said.
The hooker also admitted that he tried to continue through the pain but that it became too much, and he is finding the transition away from rugby quite tough.
“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 added.
He also went through the injuries that he has sustained and when hearing about the amount he has dealt with one wonders how he survived in the sport so long.
“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,” he continued.
Szarzewski concluded by saying another factor on his retirement was that he felt as though he couldn’t continue to be a leader and captain when he was out injured for longer than he was on the pitch.
“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,” he finished.
The French legend will now move into a role where he will work closely with Racing 92’s academy next season and will hope too pass on his wisdom to the next generation.
