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France rugby legend Sebastien Chabal ‘can’t remember a single second’ of his career in candid memory loss interview

Published on April 10, 2025 at 02:37 PM

RUGBY legend Sebastien Chabal admits he can't remember a “single second” of his illustrious career.

The Frenchman played 62 times for but has suffered from memory loss since hanging up his boots in 2014.

Close-up of Sébastien Chabal, French former rugby player and TV host.
French rugby star Sebastien Chabal has opened up on his post-career health issues
Sebastien Chabal of France holding the Six Nations Championship trophy.
The 47-year-old played for Les Bleus for over a decade and won 62 caps
Headshot of Sébastien Chabal.
Chabal admits he can't remember a single game he played for his country

Chabal, 47, enjoyed spells with Bourgoin, Sale Sharks, Racing Metro and Lyon.

He was known by French fans as l'Homme des Cavernes – or The Caveman – due to his long locks and huge beard.

The lock was renowned for his ferocious tackling and hardman persona on the field.

But since leaving rugby behind, Chabal has been plagued by medical issues.

He revealed to YouTube show Legend: “I don't remember a single second of a rugby match I've played.

“And I don't remember a single one of the 62 Marseillaises [France's national anthem] I've experienced.”

Chabal also revealed he can't remember the birth of his daughter Lily-Rose.

He continued: “I don't talk about it, because it's just my business, but there are quite a few actions that are carried out by former players, in teams, because we've taken a hit on the helmet.

“There's the pate that hit the marrow.

“I don't remember anything. Sometimes I say to my wife, “Actually, I wasn't the one who played rugby”.”

Chabal did not mention concussion during the interview and confirmed he has not consulted a neurologist.

He added: “Why bother? My memory won't return.

“I'm rediscovering my life. Before playing rugby, I never realised that I don't remember anything.”

Former recently revealed he had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

It comes as the sport continues to grapple with the long-term issues potentially caused by violent collisions and concussions.

Thompson with the Red Rose in 2003.

But he admitted in 2023 that he didn't remember lifting the trophy Down Under.

Speaking to ex-teammate Phil Vickery, he said: “It's weird. There's nothing there. I can't even remember being inAustralia.

“The whole lot is gone. And there's nothing there. My life, everything around then, is just not there.”

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