Macalou denies retirement reports and demands the right to speak for himself

Sekou Macalou has publicly rejected reports that he has retired from professional rugby, posting a statement on Instagram to clarify that no official announcement about his future has been made.

French publication Midi Olympique reported earlier this week that the Stade Français back-rower had informed team-mates on Monday that he was ending his career, despite remaining under contract with the Paris club until next June. The report claimed Macalou, 31, had reached an agreement with club management to stop playing immediately following a campaign severely disrupted by a persistent hip problem that significantly limited his Top 14 appearances.

Macalou moved swiftly to dispute that account. “I’ve seen certain information circulating regarding a supposed end to my career,” he wrote. “As of today, I have made no official announcement regarding what comes next in my career. I therefore find it regrettable that some people feel entitled to speak on my behalf about decisions that are mine to make. The day I have something to announce about my future, it will come from me and no one else.”

The France international has spent more than a decade at Stade Français after coming through the academy at Massy, building a reputation as one of the most athletic and versatile forwards in French rugby. Capable of playing across the back-row and occasionally on the wing, he has earned 20 caps for France and was part of the Stade Français squad that won the European Challenge Cup in 2017.

His statement leaves the situation unresolved. Whether Macalou ultimately confirms a retirement, negotiates an early release from his contract, or continues playing into next season remains unclear — but he has made it plain that the next word on the matter will be his.