Jefferson Poirot announces rugby retirement and confirms injury

Union Bordeaux-Bègles prop Jefferson Poirot has confirmed he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2026-2027 season. Despite his upcoming retirement, Poirot expressed interest in potentially participating in the 2027 Rugby World Cup with the French national team, noting that his recent recall to the squad has renewed his ambitions.

However, Poirot will miss the start of the upcoming season due to a knee injury sustained during a tackle. Coach Yannick Bru confirmed the injury is expected to sideline the 33-year-old for six to eight weeks. This injury comes as Poirot aims to make his final professional season his most successful.

In other club news, Union Bordeaux-Bègles is set to secure winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey with a contract extension for two additional seasons. The 24-year-old, a prominent figure in the Top 14, was expected to be a target for other clubs, but the organization moved quickly to retain the player.