MOODY QUITS

LEWIS Moody has announced his retirement from international rugby in the wake of England’s disappointing World Cup showing.

The 33-year-old flanker, a World Cup winner with England in 2003 and veteran of 71 Tests, was captain of the side which exited at the quarter-finals in New Zealand.

“I realised I might be making this decision before the World Cup started,” said Moody. “It’s a big decision and I feel emotional about making it, but it’s the right thing to do for me and for the England rugby squad.”

Moody, who will now concentrate on his domestic career with Bath, added: “My time with England has been unbelievable, even if the last few weeks have not gone so well.”