France's most capped player, Fabien Pelous, is to quit professional rugby at the end of the season. The lock has made 118 appearances for Les Blues and is to swap the blood and sweat of the scrum for cafe au lait in the south of the country.

"After careful thought, I felt it was time for me to go," said the 35-year-old Toulouse forward, who revealed he will now open a cafe in the south-western town of Saverdun, where he started his amateur career. "I know hard times are coming and that the desire of playing will not disappear right away. But it is wise to know when it is time to go. It is the right time."

Pelous started his professional career at Dax in 1995, joining Toulouse in 1997. He earned his first France cap in 1995 and ended his international career after the 2007 World Cup. He captained his country 42 times and won four Five or Six Nations grand slams in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2004 and the Heineken Cup with Toulouse in 2003 and 2005.

He never won the World Cup, although he made it to the final in 1999, losing to Australia after a memorable 43-31 semi-final victory against New Zealand. He reached the semi-finals twice in 2003 and 2007, both times losing out to England.

"This is the Mr Rugby of the past 15 years who is leaving the pitch. I take the years I spent alongside Fabien as a chance, a rare privilege," said the Toulouse coach Guy Noves, whose side are currently second in the French league, level on points with the leaders Perpignan. "He never cheated. We will do everything we can so that he can leave with his head up high."