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Leicester prop Julian White will miss England's World Cup campaign after ruling himself out of the tournament due to family reasons.

The 34-year-old Devon-born forward had been expected to play a key role in Brian Ashton's plans for England's defence of the Webb Ellis Trophy, however he has now withdrawn from England's training squad for the competition.

White has agreed to remain on standby for England, but will not be selected for the 30-man squad when it is announced on August 14.

White has informed Ashton he does not want to leave his young family behind for the two-month duration of the tournament, while he also has farming commitments to consider.

Ashton said: "Julian has got a young family, and he doesn't want to leave them. Farming-wise he has taken a lot on.

"He will not be part of the World Cup 30, but he will be on standby.

"It is a blow, but it is his choice based on those two reasons. I have talked it through with him, and I understand why. He has made his mind up."

White joins Ben Cohen in ruling himself out of contention due to family reasons, however Ashton has been boosted by the return of Mike Tindall.

The Gloucester centre, who is recovering from a broken leg, will have his fitness and development assessed on a daily status by England's medical staff having now teamed up with the training squad.