Martin Corry has announced his retirement from international rugby.

The 34-year-old former England captain appeared in the World Cup final defeat against South Africa in October and now feels the time is right to step down from the national side.

The Leicester Tigers forward, writing in The Guardian, said: "If there is ever a right moment to step aside from representing England this is it. I've had my time and none of us can keep going forever.

"It's just a shame I am getting old.

"If I could carry on for the next 10 years I would because I genuinely love playing for Leicester and England."

Corry revealed he turned down England boss Brian Ashton's invitation to play in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, which starts next month, as he does not believe he can maintain his high standards in both international and domestic rugby.

"Brian rang me to say they were going to name me in the 32 and asked if that was what I wanted.

"Unfortunately, I just can't keep doing it all.

"Something has to give if I want to keep playing to the required standard."

It means Ashton will be shorn of another experienced player following the retirements of Jason Robinson, Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio for England's first match against Wales at Twickenham on February 2.

Ashton said: "From a purely selfish point of view, I am really disappointed that Martin Corry will no longer be featuring in a white shirt with a red rose because I know, as many others do, that he has worn it with pride and dignity for many years.

"He has been an outstanding member of the England rugby team both on and off the field over a long period of time and his contribution will be sorely missed.

Corry has earned 64 England caps as well as six for the British Lions and was a member of the 2003 World Cup-winning side.

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