Mahamadou Diaby retires from professional rugby

Professional rugby player Mahamadou Diaby has announced his retirement from playing after a thirteen-season career in the French Top 14. The 36-year-old former flanker, known for his time with Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Perpignan, and Montpellier, shared his decision via social media, reflecting on a journey that began after watching the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Diaby will transition immediately into a coaching role. He has joined the staff of the Lionnes de Bordeaux (Stade Bordelais), the four-time consecutive French Elite 1 champions, serving as the defense manager. His new role will focus on teaching defensive principles, such as ruck connections and defensive positioning, to the dominant women's rugby squad.