Former France forward Paul Willemse retires from rugby after multiple concussions
Posted on: Sep 15, 2025 16:10 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
genus paris — Former anatole france send on alice paul Willemse proclaimed his retirement from rugby on Monday after sustaining multiple concussions during his career.
The South Africa-born lock has not played since October last year, when he was taken off for a concussion when playing for club side Montpellier. Willemse said he had been concussed six times in his career.
“After many years on the field, it is time to close this chapter,” Willemse posted on Instagram. “Choosing to stop after multiple concussions has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made. For a long time, I tried to hold on, because when you’ve lived one dream, it’s frightening to imagine life beyond it.”
He played in 32 tests for France and scored two tries as a tough-tackling and rampaging forward, who also had a strong running game and could break tackles. He became a regular under coach Fabien Galthié and helped France win the 2022 Six Nations with a Grand Slam.
Willemse's last appearance for Les Tricolores saw him red-carded against Ireland in the opening game of the 2024 Six Nations and suspended the next two games following a four-week ban.
He would have earned more caps but missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup because of a thigh injury.
After starting his club career in South Africa with Golden Lions and Blue Bulls, he moved to France in 2014 and played for Grenoble before joining Montpellier the following year, making over 170 appearances for the club.
“To the supporters who have followed me from South Africa to France, I carry your voices with me,” he added. “The victories, the struggles, the lessons, I wouldn't change any of it.”
Concussions in rugby have become a major talking point in recent years. Former France rugby star Sébastien Chabal said last April that he could not remember “ a single second ” of any match he played. ___
rugby: /hub/rugby
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.