Josh Lewsey, a Heineken and European Challenge Cup winner with London Wasps, has annouced his retirement from international duty with England to focus on his club game,
Lewsey was a key member of the Wasps side that were champions of Europe in 2004 and again in 2007, but with his side struggling for form in this season's competition, he has decided to call time on an equally impressive international career.
The 32-year-old won 55 caps after making his Test debut in 1998, but found himself overlooked for the autumn Tests in favour of younger players.
Lewsey scored 22 tries for England, including a crucial one in last year's World Cup semi-final against France.
"I spoke with Martin on the phone earlier this week and as he didn't consider me to be an integral part of his immediate team moving forward, I have decided that I would be better served committing myself entirely to my club," said Lewsey.
Wasps have won just one of their three matches in Pool 3 this season, and are in danger of falling at the first hurdle with a further defeat certain to see them knocked out of the competition, and Lewsey said.
"I feel that I can have a more positive influence at Wasps throughout this important time if I am consistently here and have made the decision to focus my efforts solely on the club's campaigns.
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Lewsey joined Wasps in 1998 after two years with Bristol, and has been an integral part of the squad which has won nine trophies in that time, including the European Challenge Cup in 2003.
And his record was praised by Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards, who said: "Josh is the most successful back there has ever been in the northern hemisphere, that's not my opinion - that's a fact.
"He's also one of the best big-game players there has ever been in professional rugby. If you look at his record in big-games, it's unparalleled for a back. That's not my opinion that's a fact. Josh is very ambitious and an incredibly competitive person who has worked very hard for all his rewards."
