Dallaglio retires from international rugby
Lawrence Dallaglio has announced his retirement from international rugby for the second time. The former England captain will end his club career with Wasps at the end of this season. The 35-year-old back-rower, who played every minute of England's successful 2003 World Cup campaign, had previously retired in 2004 from international rugby.
But in a remarkable volte face the forthright and controversial Dallaglio reversed his decision in 2006 and featured in England's superb 2007 World Cup, where they were defeated by South Africa in the final in October. He has hinted that he would like to begin a career in coaching when he finally hangs up his playing boots.
Dallaglio won 85 caps, the last coming in that final at the Stade de France. He scored 17 tries and is second in the list of all-time cap winners, joint with winger Rory Underwood and behind prop Jason Leonard.
Dalliglio, who made his international debut against the Boks in November 2005, said: "I have enjoyed a marvellous run and been the proudest of Englishmen every time I wore my country's jersey.
"However, I believe my international career has run its course and it is time for me to step aside and make room for the young guns kicking down the door.
"Long-term I fancy coaching but it would have to be on the right terms and with the right set-up."
Dallaglio won the Five Nations in 1996, and the Six Nations in 2000, 2001 and 2003. But the pinnacle of his international career came in late 2003 when England won the World Cup for the first time in Sydney against the hosts Australia.
Alongside Richard Hill and Neil Back, Dallaglio was a crucial member of England's back-row.
He was Sir Clive Woodward's first choice for the England captaincy when he took over in 1997 as Head Coach, only to lose the responsibility in 1999 after a newspaper sting.
Dallaglio regained the skipper's armband in January 2004 after lock, Martin Johnson's retirement, but his second spell ended when he announced his retirement from the international scene later that year.
He made himself available for selection under erstwhile Head Coach Andy Robinson and scored on his return against Wales, and managed to force his way into incumbent Brian Ashton's World Cup plans. He insists that his decision to step down has nothing to do with his controversial books condemning Ashton's management style.
He added: "What I do want to emphasise is that my decision has nothing whatsoever to do with England head coach Ashton and my post-World Cup observations concerning his preparation early in the tournament. I wish him nothing but success."
Dallaglio revealed that he will retire from the domestic at the conclusion of this campaign. He continued: "I'm probably playing my best rugby in two years but there will not be another new season for me at Wasps.
"They are my only club and that's how it will remain when my boots hit the bin at the end of the season."
England will name a 32-man squad next Wednesday, and Ashton is expected to blood new players.
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