Rugby: France great Frederic Michalak retires

France's Frederic Michalak runs with ball during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between France and the All Blacks in 2007. Photo /Getty

Former France first-five Frederic Michalak has announced he'll retire from rugby at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old ends his career as France's all-time leading scorer with 436 points from 77 caps, having won Six Nations Grand Slams in 2002, 2004 and 2010 and competed at three World Cups.

His club career has taken in Toulouse, Toulon and his current club Lyon, as well as two spells in South Africa with the Sharks.

Michalak, who tweeted last week that Monday would be "the time to announce whether or not I will continue my career", has now revealed his decision.

Quoted by Le 10 Sport, he said: "After a long period of reflection and despite an offer from a club, I am calling an end to my career at the end of this season.

"I still want to play but it will be the same situation if I push on for a year. It is not mental, it is the body which says to stop.

"You have to know when to stop. I am 35 and it is starting to become more and more difficult. I told myself this year is the right time to finish."

All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick charges down French 1st-five Frederic Michalak's kick to score a try in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Photo / Brett Phibbs