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Rugby Union

Dallaglio announces retirement

03/01/2008

Wasps and England number eight Lawrence Dallaglio has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old hangs up his boots after 12 years playing for England, in which he has won 85 caps and played in two Rugby World Cup finals.

Dallaglio has been in the headlines as much for his comments to the media and his criticism of head coach Brian Ashton as for his exploits on the pitch in recent months.

He now infamously remarked that the squad "lacked leadership" during their 2007 World Cup campaign and that they only achieved the success they did through 'player power' following a 36-0 mauling by South Africa.

Despite leaving the fold on a controversial note, Dallaglio claims it has had nothing to do with his decision.

"I have enjoyed a marvellous run and been the proudest of Englishmen every time I wore my country's jersey," Dallaglio told the Sun newspaper.

"However, I believe my international career has run its course and it's time for me to step aside and make room for the young guns kicking down the door."

He continued: "What I do want to emphasise is that my decision has nothing whatsoever to do with England head coach Brian Ashton and my post-World Cup observations concerning his preparation early in the tournament.

"Mike Catt and Jason Robinson have retired from the Test arena and I'm doing the same."

Dallaglio claimed England "is blessed with a number of experienced guys" and said he felt that the absence of his well-known stirring pre-match speeches from the dressing room could be dealt with.

"England can also turn to former skippers Martin Corry, Phil Vickery and Jonny Wilkinson to provide the team with a spine of experience," he added.

Dallaglio's final match in an England shirt was the 15-6 defeat to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris in November.