Sebastien Chabal opens up about losing all memory of his rugby career during emotional interview in France

For many fans, Sebastien Chabal is remembered as one of rugby’s fiercest competitors—a powerhouse on the field with a look that made him instantly iconic.

But behind that unforgettable presence, Chabal is now facing something deeply personal and painful: the reality that he can’t remember much, if any, of the career that made him famous.

“I Can’t Remember a Single Second of My Career”

Earlier this month, Chabal, now 47, made headlines when he bravely revealed that he has no memory of his rugby career—not even the birth of his daughter.

And now, he’s spoken again, sharing more about how his memory loss affects both his past and his daily life.

Chabal, who earned 62 caps for France between 2000 and 2011 and played five years in England with the Sale Sharks, told Canal Rugby Club on Sunday that the reaction to his initial confession caught him off guard.

“I found it a bit sad,” he admitted, referring to how shocked people were by his revelation.

“People Shouldn’t Be Surprised—This Has Been Happening”

Chabal believes the rugby world should have been paying attention long before he spoke out.

“We who are close to the players’ fields, we know that there are players who have said loud and clear that they have real troubles… but this hasn’t been relayed or supported,” he explained.

He expressed frustration that the public only seemed to take notice once he said something—because of his fame or image—when many others have been quietly suffering the same way.

“It’s not because the bearded man says he doesn’t remember that we should have made a big fuss,” he added.

Fading Glory: Even His Career Highlights Are Gone

One of the most heart-wrenching parts of Chabal’s story is just how much he has forgotten.

He recalled that his first season with Sale Sharks, where he helped win the European Challenge Cup in 2005, is now “almost completely erased from my memory.”

And it’s not just the big matches—daily memories, even precious family moments, are missing.

“My wife asked me this morning if I remembered when my parents came to visit in Sale… I have no memories,” he said, admitting that even the birth of his daughter is a blank space in his mind.

“A memory is often accompanied by emotions, sensations, images… I hardly have that anymore.”

Everyday Conversations Reveal the Struggles

When chatting with friends, Chabal says it’s clear something isn’t right.

“I’m not the one who says, ‘Do you remember?’” he shared.

“I listen, I agree, we don’t want to talk about it too much, we hide a little… but it’s been a long time.”

While he’s not sure if concussions are the cause of his condition, he did point out that back when he was playing, medical checks for head injuries weren’t particularly advanced.

That lack of early care may have left lasting effects.

Taking the Next Step: Seeking Help

Despite the emotional weight of his situation, Chabal is taking action.

He revealed that he has a medical appointment scheduled this week to begin figuring out what’s really happening.

“I’m going to get checked out, get treated,” he said, determined to improve his quality of life more than a decade after retiring.

Chabal’s story is a powerful reminder of the long-term toll professional sports can take—and a call to take athlete health seriously, even after the final whistle.