England forward Courtney Lawes has revealed that Friday's Rugby World Cup third-place playoff against Argentina will be his final match for his country.
The 34-year-old has won 105 caps during a 15-year international career, becoming one of only five men to reach triple figures for England.
Lawes's career has included two British and Irish Lions tours and four Rugby World Cups, the latest of which will come to an end against Argentina on Friday night.
"This was my last World Cup. The kids are at that age where they need their dad around. It will be good to be with them more, to provide some well needed structure to the mob," Lawes told reporters.
"It's a bit of an end of an era, but it's been a real honour for me to represent England for so long. I haven't told Steve [Borthwick] yet, but I will let him know. But I've said to the boys, anyone that's asked. I think it's time. I've done four World Cups, so I'm pretty happy with that.
"I think, as hard as it is being away from your family and stuff like that, you almost have another family. You really feel like that, especially when you're away in camps like World Cup camps. It's five months, staying with your brothers.
"I'll definitely miss the boys, the banter and all the stuff we get up to when we're not training. I'll miss the hard work as well. And I'll definitely miss pulling the jersey on and giving it everything."
England's hopes of adding a second World Cup title to their trophy cabinet were ended in agonising fashion by South Africa on Saturday night, with the Springboks earning a one-point victory over Steve Borthwick's side in the semi-finals.
Lawes was also part of the England team that lost to South Africa in the 2019 World Cup final, in addition to featuring in the 2011 and 2015 tournaments, as well as the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours.
The Northampton Saints lock made his England debut in 2009 while Borthwick was still captain of the national team, and is currently a vice-captain for his country.
Lawes is fifth in England's all-time appearance list, behind only Dan Cole, Owen Farrell, Jason Leonard and Ben Youngs.
Barney Corkhill
