10 Big-Name Players Who Could Retire from International Rugby in 2015

Rugby fans around the world are anxiously awaiting this year's World Cup, but with the arrival of such a landmark also comes the inevitable retirement of certain international veterans.

The temptation to prolong one's international career for as long as possible is a dilemma that afflicts every professional, but knowing when to call it a day can also be a finely cut choice in itself.

Whether they're contending to bow out on the highest of highs without promising prospects or simply because age and injury are taking their toll, we'll bid farewell to a number of international icons in 2015.

Some will prove us wrong and battle on to win further caps in 2016, but ahead is a list of the candidates who could announce their international retirement, with a particular emphasis placed on variety of nationalities discussed.

1. Thierry Dusautoir

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A torn bicep saw Thierry Dusautoir play no part in France's 2014 Six Nations, but the Toulouse figurehead is looking to lead Les Bleus on their voyage to England later this year.

Having just signed a new two-year deal with the Top 14 giants, per ESPN Scrum, Dusautoir's club future is at least in no shade of doubt, but they may be the only team getting the best out of their flanker for much longer.

By the end of 2015, Dusautoir will be 34 years of age, and his game is largely based on stamina, conditioning and physicality.

The body can only weather so much of that punishment, and should France do particularly well at the World Cup or further injury come to haunt him, Dusautoir could make his way out of Philippe Saint-Andre's reckoning.

2. Gordon D'Arcy

Ireland is to some extent still reeling from Brian O'Driscoll's retirement from the sport last year, but the national team could lose a second veteran midfielder in as many years if Gordon D'Arcy decides to hang up his boots.

Joe Schmidt will keep the Leinster man around until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, at which point he'll be 35 years old, the same age O'Driscoll was when he called it quits.

This year marks D'Arcy's 16th in involvement with the national team, and he has accumulated 81 caps in that time. However, the likes of Robbie Henshaw, Jared Payne and Darren Cave are forming a new wave of young talent in the centre, and the national team may soon no longer need their elder.

In no way does that belittle D'Arcy's influence on this side. For a decade and more, his reliability has been key to their consistency, but it may be that superior options are coming through, and he takes his leave on a high.

3. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe

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Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe is another player whose smashmouth style of play puts him at increased risk of injury; it caused him to miss out on Argentina's November Test series several months ago.

It was a big loss for the Pumas, who need their back-rower fit and ready for the World Cup as one of the most experienced assets among Daniel Hourcade's squad.

However, Lobbe's injury record is also beginning to pile up, and Toulon would love to see their 33-year-old warhorse retire from the international game and have his talents all to themselves.

One can debate just how likely that is after Argentina showed significant improvement to record their maiden Rugby Championship win this season. However, Hourcade's preference for locally based talent may not give every overseas-based player a choice from 2016 onward.

4. Dan Carter

It's been a long and sometimes frustrating international career for Dan Carter, who hopes to defend New Zealand's World Cup title in England and sign out on a high.

Steve Hansen has shown a willingness to hand the likes of Aaron Cruden, Colin Slade and Beauden Barrett chances in his No. 10 slot in a bid to find Carter's long-term successor, whom the team will likely need in 2016.

Carter is already confirmed as a Super Rugby departure, heading for French pastures with Racing Metro at the conclusion of the World Cup—a move that signals the end of his international days.

The New Zealand Rugby Union may make certain exceptions for a Test centurion such as Carter, but one could argue he's best off retiring this year, especially if the All Blacks retain their world crown.

5. Gethin Jenkins

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With 110 caps to his name, Gethin Jenkins has made more appearances for Wales than any player in history, but every story has an ending, and his may materialise in 2015.

He was once regarded among the finest props in the world, renowned for his ability to play either side of the scrum. However, standards are arguably waning for Jenkins, who will be eager to give his nation one last success this year.

A four-tour British and Irish Lion, the 34-year-old (35 in November) has always maintained a high level of fitness for one in his position, but one can do only so much to keep up with the young guns.

That's especially the case when prospects such as Samson Lee, Nicky Smith and Rhodri Jones are beginning to impress Warren Gatland, with Jenkins' use to the squad now being debatable.

6. Jean de Villiers

The rugby community stood in mourning when Jean de Villiers' crumpled body lay crying on the Millennium Stadium turf in November. It was immediately clear the centre's 2015 Rugby World Cup was in doubt.

A dislocated knee will likely see the Stormers star sidelined for the entire 2015 Super Rugby campaign, and after managing his fitness so well of late, the worst-case scenario came to fruition.

Injury has at times prevented De Villiers from taking his cap count past its current mark of 106, although it's still a magnificent total given how much the midfield marvel gives in each and every game he plays.

De Villiers turns 34 next month and could probably go on leading South Africa, but he's given an awful lot to the Springboks' cause over the past 13 years. He may finally give those bones a much-deserved rest at 2015's conclusion.

7. Martin Castrogiovanni

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It will be an odd day when Italy line up without Martin Castrogiovanni's bearded mug staring down from their front row, but we may have to start adjusting to that fate.

The Toulon prop is enjoying his rugby and winning titles with the club, but for 13 years the Azzurri icon has also maintained his spot as one of the few consistent players of elite quality under Italy's hood.

It's been a long and tiring test for long periods. Both he and Sergio Parisse, along with several others, will have grown weary in carrying the team through certain periods, with the end perhaps drawing nigh.

Castrogiovanni will turn 34 in October, which really isn't that old for a prop, but given the level maintained for club and country over so many years, the tight-head may understandably be more tired than the average player.

8. Richie McCaw

As if the potential loss of Carter isn't enough to mourn, the All Blacks may well say goodbye to a team member of even greater significance in the shape of Richie McCaw this year.

Last February, McCaw effectively confirmed his departure from the game, per Sky Sports, saying he isn't looking at a money-making career in Europe, either: "Just to play next year is not a given any more. I haven't even considered beyond 2015 but I would say it is unlikely. If you have had enough of being bashed up in training and all those things, going over there just to earn some money doesn't really appeal."

The accolades tied to McCaw's name are endless. He was the first All Black ever to reach 100 caps, the only player ever to win the IRB Player of the Year award on three occasions, the all-time caps leader and more.

With his Test total now at 137 and the amount of damage suffered over the past 14 years reading off the charts, McCaw will receive a deserving reprieve later this year.

9. Nicolas Mas

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Nicolas Mas is something of an unsung hero among France's stars; for 12 years the prop has done a reliable job in his responsibilities, whether as backup or first-string choice.

The former Perpignan veteran of 14 years now finds himself at Montpellier and is likely to try his hand in featuring for Les Bleus at a third World Cup later this year. 

If he misses his place, it's likely to force international retirement on the soon-to-be 35-year-old, while selection would likely be a swan song for the 67-cap battering ram in any case.

10. Victor Matfield

Victor Matfield seemingly came upon the fountain of youth last year after making his comeback from retirement and going on to play a leading role for South Africa in their Rugby Championship campaign.

Heyneke Meyer utilised the seasoned Bulls lock against the southern hemisphere's elite, but it was at times clear then and in the autumn that Matfield's decline is genuine.

And who can blame him at 37 years of age? Turning 38 in May, the 121-cap Springbok has already defied logic in coming out of retirement once, but the 2015 Rugby World Cup should mark his second goodbye.