World Cup hero quits England

Jason Robinson has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Jason Robinson has shocked the rugby world by announcing his retirement from the international scene.

The 31-year-old, who was a key member of England's heroic World Cup winning team, has stated family priorities as the reason for his decision.

"The time has arrived to put my family and my wife before the England team," Robinson told the Mail on Sunday.

"Physically, I know I still have a lot to offer England so, in many ways this was a hard decision for me to make.

"I didn't want to let (coach) Andy (Robinson), or any of the England guys down but the pull of my family proved greater.

"I've got five children and a beautiful wife and it's time for them to be placed first."

The news is sure to have enormous effects on the current England set-up, both at a squad selection level and within legal debates surrounding elite player management.

Robinson's absence will leave a significant void at full back, which is likely to increase the chances of Wasps' in-form Mark van Gisbergen becoming an England representative after his recent receipt of dual citizenship.

Robinson's decision to retire comes just days before national coach Andy Robinson names his squad for the autumn internationals, and the speedy back's departure increases the spotlight on current wranglings regarding player availability in the game.

The former rugby league star is one of four Sale players to have controversially played against the RFU's wishes since the British and Irish Lions tour in the summer.

And with a showdown looming on the horizon between Premiership clubs and the RFU regarding the idea of central contracts, Robinson's decision to quit could be symbolic of things to come as the country's top players become increasingly restless with disputes in the upper echelons of the game.