France flanker Serge Betsen has ended his international career with immediate effect and confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

Betsen will end his playing days with Biarritz when his contract expires in the summer but today called time on his international career. 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, Raphaël Ibañez 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.

"I suffered an injury [back] just after the World Cup, and it has caused me concern," said Betsen. "Even if I could play again with my club, I am not at 100% to demand a place in the France team.

"My international career has come to an end. I am still under contract until the end of the season with Biarritz. At the end of the season, I will end my career with Biarritz."

Betsen made his debut for France in 1997 in a Test against Italy, but then had to wait until 2000 for his next cap. After that, he was a regular pick under the then coach Bernard Laporte. He appeared in both of France's World Cup semi-final defeats to England, in 2003 and 2007.

In the 2003 game, he scored a try to put Les Bleus ahead but was later sin-binned for tripping as France suffered at the hands of Jonny Wilkinson.