French rugby star Sebastien Chabal confirms retirement

Sebastien Chabal announced Monday he will retire after playing one last game for Lyon on Sunday.

Chabal's final game will be against La Rochelle.

"At the end of the season, on Sunday, I will end my professional rugby career with pleasure... having helped the club [Lyon] being promoted to the top flight," Chabal told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

The 37-year-old French rugby star made 62 appearances for his country, leading France to a fourth-place finish in the 2007 World Cup. He played for Bourgoin, Sale and Racing Metro before joining Lyon in 2012 and helping the team secure a promotion to France's top division.

Chabal was known for his punishing hits, which made him one of France's most popular athletes.