France flanker Julien Bonnaire insists he has no regrets after retiring from international rugby after the RBS 6 Nations defeat to Wales on Saturday.
The 33-year-old won 75 caps for his country, winning the RBS 6 Nations four times, with two Grand Slams in 2004 and 2010, as well as starting last year’s World Cup final.
However he was not able to prevent Wales picking up a Grand Slam as they emerged victorious 16-9 in Cardiff.
But regardless of the defeat, Bonnaire is adamant he could not have picked a better venue to call time on his international career.
“It’s an emotional moment, especially at the Millennium Stadium, in one of, if not the best ground in the world,” said Bonnaire, whose Clermont teammate Jean-Marcellin Buttin made his debut off the bench in the same game.
“It’s a great way to finish my international career. Even if we didn’t win, it will be a great memory.
“I wasn’t frustrated [to come off]. I spent 60 minutes on the pitch, and on the hour, a page was turned in my career.
“I’d decided to retire from internationals a long time ago, and I’ve stopped in the way I wanted, I’m very happy. In the end I’m happy with my career with France.
“I kept my jersey at the end. I’ve already got Welsh jerseys, and that one I wanted to keep.
“It was pleasing to see [Buttin] here. He has been playing well for Clermont since the start of the season and there he did well when he came on. He has a lot of potential and is only 20. It was his first and my last, he’s got time to earn a lot more caps. I wish him the chance that I had, to play as many Tests as I did. I have no regrets.”
