London: Lewis Moody had hoped this morning to be captaining England in the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand. Instead, after a failed and controversial campaign by Martin Johnson's side, Moody chose yesterday to announce his retirement from international rugby.
The 33-year-old flanker, who made his name during a trophy-laden career with Leicester and was a World Cup winner with England in 2003, now intends to concentrate on club rugby with Bath. After 11 years on the treadmill of touring and training camps, he also wants to spend more time with his wife, Annie, and their young family.
"I realised I might be making this decision before the World Cup started," said Moody last night. "It's a big decision to make and I feel emotional about making it, but it's the right thing to do for me and for the England rugby squad.
"My time with England has been unbelievable, even if the last few weeks have not gone so well.
"It's only right for the team to move on. There will be changes, maybe in management and definitely in some of the match-day 22." He said if England wants a successful World Cup next time, they need a new captain by February.
" Even if they still wanted me to carry on there's no way I'd last another four years, so it is absolutely right to stand down now and give someone else the opportunity to captain England," Moody added.
— Daily Mail
