FORMER England captain Martin Corry has retired from international rugby in order to concentrate on his club career.

The 34-year-old, ex-Tunbridge Wells player, has turned down a place in coach Brian Ashton's 2008 Six Nations squad as he does not think he can maintain his high standards in both international and domestic rugby.

Corry was part of the squad which won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and appeared in the World Cup final defeat to South Africa in October.

The Leicester forward, who has won 64 caps, said: "It's just a shame that I'm getting old.

"If I could carry on for the next 10 years I would because I genuinely love playing for Leicester and England.

"Brian rang me to say they were going to name me in the 32 and asked if that was what I wanted.

"Unfortunately, I just can't keep doing it all. Something has to give if I want to keep playing to the required standard."

England head coach Brian Ashton said: "From a purely selfish point of view, I am really disappointed that Martin Corry will no longer be featuring in a white shirt with a red rose because I know, as many others do, that he has worn it with pride and dignity for many years.

"He has been an oustanding member of the England rugby team both on and off the field over a long period of time and his contribution will be sorely missed."

The back row forward first played rugby union for Tunbridge Wells before joining Newcastle Gosforth and later Bristol.