France prop Pieter de Villiers has announced his retirement, saying he is tired of having to fight injuries.

The South African-born player, who won 69 caps for France and five French titles with Stade Francais, said he had taken his decision after injuring his neck in a Heineken Cup match in Cardiff in December.

"When you're down on the ground and you start thinking about your wife and children it means it's time to stop," the 35-year-old said.

De Villiers won his last cap in the World Cup semi-final defeat by England at the Stade de France in October.