Vice-captain Courtney Lawes will retire from England duty at the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup.

In addition to participating in four World Cups, the 34-year-old has toured with the British and Irish Lions twice and is one of only five Englishmen to reach 100 caps.

A win against South Africa on Saturday ended his hopes of finishing on a high with coach Steve Borthwick’s team.

In his words, “I think it’s time. I’ve done four World Cups, so I feel pretty good about it.”.

Steve hasn’t heard yet, but I will let him know.

‘It’s a bit of an end of an era, but I’ve really enjoyed representing England for so long. The time flies by.

I will treasure the experience of finishing with this group forever. I am proud of the journey I have been on.”

Lawes, who has made 105 international appearances over the past 15 years, may play his final game on Friday against Argentina in the bronze-medal match.

In 2009, when Borthwick was captain of the England team, he made he England debut against Australia.

In addition to representing the Lions in 2017 and 2021, the flanker was a beaten finalist against the Springboks in 2019.

England, he believes, have a bright future, although he will continue to play at club level for Northampton by helping the team finish third.

He said, “We showed everyone what it means to be a member of this team.”.

I think people can now see what a good coach he is – and what this team is capable of.

It’s important to finish well and send us all off with a great win.”