Disgraced Frenchman quits rugby in stunning fallout to 'disgusting' act
France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina has announced his retirement from international rugby, 24 hours after being sent off in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Wales.
Les Bleus led 19-10 when Vahaamahina was sent off in the 49th minute in Oita for elbowing Aaron Wainwright before his side lost after conceding a penalty goal and a late converted try in the final half an hour.
Ouch.... Red cad for the French after this effort from Sebastien Vahaamahina 🤷♂️
Every Match, Every Nation of the #RWC2019 on Fox Sports 503: https://t.co/l1sxEDR5Cq… pic.twitter.com/PV992xZMD6— FOX SPORTS Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) October 20, 2019
"It's difficult, very difficult today even more so that I had planned this many months ago, that was my last match for France," he said in a statement published on his 28th birthday.
"I hadn't made the announcement about my retirement public because it's not how I do things.
"The people impacted by this decision have known since this summer: Jacques Brunel, Franck Azema, some players also," he told newspaper Midi Olympique.
Vahaamahina apologises
Vahaamahina, who won his 46th cap in the fixture, lashed out at flanker Wainwright at a driving maul with his side seeming to be in a dominant position in the game.
"I just lost control. I regret the act, admittedly it was spontaneous and out of control but the fact remains that I am responsible. I'm the only one to blame," he said.
Fans were left in shock over the ‘disgusting’ act.
Minimum six month ban for that elbow. Absolute disgrace
— Gareth Dyer (@pikedyer) October 20, 2019
Laughed at??? He purposely rammed his elbow into Wainwright’s face!!! There’s nothing old school rugby about it, it’s downright dangerous and absolutely disgusting!
— Louise_Scarlet 🇹🇷❤️🏴 (@I_bleed_scarlet) October 20, 2019
I disagree completely. He should be cited for that elbow. It was disgusting. His intent was to injure
— Craig (@CraigRDJones) October 20, 2019
Shocking, needless and disgusting elbow, which deserves a lengthy ban, but ultimately France paid the full penalty #WALvFRA #walesvfrance #RugbyWorldCup https://t.co/yUlOPbggaF
— The Bangor Aye (@BangorWalesNews) October 20, 2019
Captain Guilhem Guirado and the most-experienced member of France's World Cup squad Louis Picamoles also announced the end of their international careers after the loss.
Wales face South Africa in next Sunday's semi-final after two-time reigning champions New Zealand play England a day earlier.