France captain Thierry Dusautoir has announced his retirement from international rugby, bringing to an end a distinguished Test career which saw him captain his country a record 56 times.

Dusatoir, one of world rugby’s best flankers over the past decade, led France against the odds to the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, scoring a try against New Zealand in an 8-7 defeat.

In October, his final appearance ended with an unwanted record, crushed 62-13 by New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals.

He said last month he was undecided about his international future.

But after meeting new coach Guy Noves on Friday morning, Dusuatoir told sports daily L’Equipe that “I think it’s the wisest decision” to stop.