The 32-year-old former France international signed a two-year contract with the Parisien club in 2004 but has chosen to call it a day in June because his back is troubling him and he is frustrated at being away from his family who remain in Bordeaux.

''On a medical level I still have recurrent back problems and on a personal level it's becoming more and more difficult to live far away from my family,'' he said.

Brouzet, who won 72 caps for France between 1994 and 2003, was forced to drop out of the national team squad during the 2003 World Cup in Australia because of a shoulder problem.

However, he very quickly imposed his style with Stade Francais and his retirement will be widely felt at the club.

''I feel fine at the moment and I am enjoying myself, that's why it's difficult to stop,'' continued Brouzet.

''But I'd rather put an end to my career in those conditions rather than being forced into it because of physical problems.''

Brouzet, who lists Grenoble, Bordeaux-Begles, Northampton and Montferrand among his former teams, claims he is ready to think about a life away from the game.

He added: ''I have a lot of projects. I am going to try to start a new life.''

Stade Francais, who are fourth in the Top 16 table, will face Biarritz on Saturday in the
European Cup semi-final after ousting Newcastle in the previous round.