England stars Sophie Hemming and Rebecca Essex retire

Sophie Hemming and Rebecca Essex have retired from international rugby a matter of months after England won the Women's World Cup.

Prop Hemming, 34, and 31-year-old second-row Essex were key members of the side that won the final against Canada in Paris in August.

Hemming, who will carry on playing club rugby for Bristol, retires after winning 71 caps, and she said: “This has not been a decision that has been easy to make.

Fantastic memories

"But having achieved my goal of winning the World Cup I feel the time is right to stand aside and allow some of the hugely talented youngsters to take the tight head shirt on to the next level in preparation for the 2017 World Cup.

The Rugby Club

“I have had so many fantastic memories and experiences along the way, from scoring two tries against Canada last year, the World Cup final and hearing a chorus of 'Swing Low' as we stepped off the team bus in front of hundreds of family and friends after we’d won the World Cup.

"And although I will miss the international scene dearly, I hope to stay involved in the England set-up in some capacity as a coach or mentor.”

Coach Gary Street said: “Sophie epitomises hard work. During her rugby career she has transformed herself into one of the most talented props in the world while remarkably balancing a demanding career as a vet. I think Sophie is a tremendous example of what you can achieve if you really want it enough."

Winning the World Cup was certainly the best way to end my career.

Essex won 57 caps but she has now decided to concentrate on her career as a special needs teacher in Surrey as well as turning out for Richmond.

Honour

She said: "Winning the World Cup was certainly the best way to end my career.

“The last eight years within the England set-up has been amazing and I have many memories and friendships that I will keep forever. It has been an honour to represent my country and to be part of the World Cup winning team.

"It is also fantastic to see the game benefitting from the World Cup win, both at grassroots and elite level with more and more women and girls taking up the game.”

Street added: “Becky is another one of our incredible generation of players who have balanced demanding jobs with playing international rugby.

"Becky has also been one of our most consistent players and her versatility, of being able to play anywhere in the back five, has certainly added extra dimensions to the way we have played as a squad.”