Pelous has been dogged by injuries during a successful career

Toulouse star Pelous, whose total has only been surpassed by Australian scrum-half George Gregan's 139 caps, enjoyed a 12-year career for Les Bleus.

The 33-year-old captained them 42 times and scored eight international tries.

"I experienced some wonderful moments but it's time to move on," said Pelous, who came off with a rib injury in the World Cup semi-final loss to England.

"For the past two years, I've had difficulty playing matches in succession. My body has told me that it is over.

"Also, French rugby will now enter a new era with new coaches, new ambitions and it would have been ridiculous to claim to last until the next World Cup."

Pelous said he would finish playing altogether at the end of the season and hoped to sign off with a third French titles and third European Cup.

606: DEBATE How good was Pelous?

The forward won his first cap against Romania in 1995 and played in four Grand Slam-winning teams (1997, 1998, 2002 and 2004) in the Five and Six Nations tournaments.

He started the year as France skipper but a succession of injuries kept him out of the side and coach Bernard Laporte gave the armband to hooker Rafael Ibanez.

Pelous was hurt again in the opening loss to Argentina but was brought back for the England game ahead of the fans' favourite Sebastien Chabal.

French Rugby Federation chief Bernard Lapasset said he hoped Pelous would continue to be involved with the sport at the end of his playing career, adding: "He has the clout and the stature."