I like to think I play rugby as it should be played - there are no yellow or red cards in my collection - but I cannot say I'm an angel.

To make this announcement fills me with great sadness, but I know I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team.

I never ever believed that I would be able to give up on this dream which has driven me to live, breathe, love and embrace the game of rugby from the earliest days that I can remember.

To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other setbacks gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment. I know myself well enough to know that I will never truly be satisfied.

I play with a fear of letting people down. That's what motivates me.

I thought the referee was pernickety, ... He didn't influence the result but giving us so many yellow and red cards upset the players psychologically.