England prop Joe Marler has announced his shock retirement from international rugby less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup.
The 28-year-old has played 59 tests and was part of the British and Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand last year.
Marler withdrew from Eddie Jones' England squad on Monday. He told the BCC that he wants to spend more time with his family.
"Being with England you have to spend an incredible amount of time away and I could not do that any more," he told the BBC.
"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.
