Dimitri Szarzewski is a stalwart of French rugby. Beginning his career with Beziers in 2002, the robust hooker moved to Stade Francais in 2005 where he began to make a name for himself as a powerful operator in the loose as well as an accurate line-out thrower.
After 7 years with Stade, Szarzewski made the controversial decision to swap Paris sides, signing for Racing Metro in 2012.
Since making his debut in 2005, Szarzewski has been an ever-present in the France national team, with over 80 caps to his name. In 2015 he was once again selected in the France national team for the Rugby World Cup in England. The 2015 RWC were to be his last international games for France as he announced his retirement a month later.
He has been a regular in the Racing 92 side and has boasted a stellar 2017/18 season particularly in the Champions Cup where he missed just 2 tackles in 7 games to help his side the Final against Leinster
Szarzewski's final test appearance for France came against the All Blacks where France were humbled in the quarter-final in 2015.
In May 2019, he announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect saying "All these years, I haven't been saved from injuries, but now my body says stop. Rugby hurts,".
Szarzewski now will take up a role as a coach in Racing's academy.
He made his Test debut in July 2004 and would go on to earn 83 caps for Les Bleus and won three Six Nations titles with France in 2006, 2007 and 2010 and played in the 2011 World Cup final against the All Blacks.
He also won the French Top 14 with Stade Francais in 2007 before crossing Paris and lifting the title with Racing nine years later.
May 19
Career
 |
Beziers Hooker |
2002 - 2004 |
 |
Stade Francais Hooker |
2004 - 2012 |
 |
France Hooker |
2004 - 2015 |
 |
Racing 92 Hooker |
2012 - 2023 |
