Joe Marler confirms retirement from international rugby

England international Joe Marler has confirmed his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect to spend more time with his family.

The 28-year-old made his England debut in 2012 and has gone on to play 59 Tests with his last appearance coming against South Africa in Cape Town during the June internationals this year.

Earlier, Marler withdrew from England's training camp in Bristol on Sunday for personal reasons.

"Being with England you have to spend an incredible amount of time away and I could not do that any more," he said.

"It is an incredible commitment to play rugby for England and I strongly believe that if you are unable to give yourself fully to it then it is time to step away - otherwise it would not be fair on the team, or my family.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and of course this has been a very difficult decision to make."

Marler also enjoyed 2016 and 2017 Six Nations title wins with England and was also part of the 2015 World Cup squad that saw them eliminated in the first round at home. The 6ft prop also featured for British and Irish Lions two times during the 2017 tour of New Zealand.

He will continue to be available for Harlequins having been part of them since 2009.

England coach Eddie Jones appreciated Marler's contribution to the side and wished him good luck for his future.

“I'm very disappointed for the team," said Jones.

“Joe has been an integral member since 2015 when I arrived, and obviously before that also.

“In my era we've really enjoyed him playing for the team, he is an honest, hard-working player. He has made a decision based on personal grounds and we understand his reasoning. He is a good guy and we will miss him greatly.”

England will face South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia in their November Tests that will be played at Twickenham Stadium.