Matt Stevens quits international rugby

Published on 10/08/2012 00:58

ENGLAND prop Matt Stevens has retired from international rugby. The Saracens forward has won 44 caps and played at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

But the 29-year-old feels he cannot commit himself through to the next World Cup in England in 2015, and will focus his efforts on club rugby.

He said in an RFU statement: “This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. Playing for England has been the ultimate honour and I have been very privileged and proud to wear the white shirt and play with some great players.”

Stevens added: “I believe England are heading in the right direction towards 2015 and I remain a huge supporter of what they are doing. But I have a young family and, conscious that I would not be able to commit to the World Cup in three years, I have decided that the time is right to call it a day and to focus on my rugby at Saracens.”