France centre Mathieu Bastareaud has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 30-year-old Toulon back was left out of Les Bleus provisional squad for the World Cup, with head coach Jacques Brunel citing fitness issues for his exclusion.
Bastareaud won 54 caps since making his debut in 2009.
"The road was not always easy but wearing this jersey was my biggest pride, and representing my country, my family, an honour!," he wrote on Intagram.
"I am happy, grateful and proud to have achieved this kid's dream ... It's time for me to turn the blue page ... I wish good luck to my teammates for this beautiful event that awaits them! #Fin"
Bastareaud won the Grand Slam in 2010 and was part of the Toulon side that won three Champions Cup titles.
La route n'a pas tjs été facile mais porter ce maillot, représenter mon pays, ma famille, a été ma plus grande fierté !
— Mathieu Bastareaud (@BastaOfficiel) June 19, 2019
Je suis heureux d’avoir pu réaliser ce rêve de gosse...
La page bleue se tourne ! Bonne chance aux copains pour ce bel événement qui les attend ! Peace ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/xzjYKO9NYt
He is due to go on loan with Rugby United New York for next season and was expected to move to the US ahead of the start of his contract on 1 January.
New York owner James Kennedy told RTÉ Sport: "We're obviously disappointed (shocked) he didn't make the French squad. We had him here last week and he is in amazing shape.
"He is very excited about the move to NYC and now he can focus on that move and building a life here with his girlfriend (who is soon to give birth to their first child) that I could see going beyond one season.
"We’ll have a couple of more big signings to accompany him in NY next season, so stay tuned."
