Gareth Ellis has announced his retirement from international rugby just one month ahead of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The Hull FC second-row, who was expected to make Steve McNamara's England squad for the competition, said that he wants to focus on playing at club level.
"It's a tough call to make. It allows me time to rest and recover before a full pre-season, something I haven't done since 2002, and hit the ground running in 2014," BBC Sport quotes him as saying.
"It's something I've been thinking about for a long time. I was always very proud to represent England, it will be extremely disappointing to miss the World Cup.
"I feel this could be the strongest England team for some years, but after 12 years I've had my opportunities on the international scene and I want to focus on a big year for Hull FC."
Ellis, 32, has earned 22 England caps and represented Great Britain 17 times during his career.
Mark Langshaw
