Corrigan calls time on his international career

Rugby RetirementsLeinster and Ireland prop Reggie Corrigan has announced his retirement from international rugby. His decision marks the end of a Test career in which he served Ireland with great distinction. He still has a season and a half to run on his Leinster contract, one he intends to honour.

Corrigan won his first cap against Canada in November, 1997, when coming on as a replacement, started his first Test against Italy later that month and went on to win 47 caps, the last against France in Paris during the 2006 Six Nations Championship.

He played for Ireland in the 1999 and 2003 World Cup tournaments and captained Ireland on two occasions, against Tonga and Western Samoa in 2003.

Corrigan said: "It has always been a huge honour for me to wear the Ireland jersey, none more so than over the last six years where the fortunes of both the team and Irish Rugby have continued to rise. Although every professional sportsman wishes they could continue forever, I have been lucky to have a career playing the game I love."

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan pointed out: "Reggie's natural athleticism and strength were massive attributes to the team. He was a key member of the side and an integral part of our first Triple Crown win in 19 years in 2004. I believe Reggie will be remembered as one of Ireland's great frontrow forwards."

Meanwhile, Matt Dawson's decision to retire at the end of this season leaves England coach Andy Robinson with a major scrumhalf dilemma just a year before England launch the defence of their World Cup.

Leicester's spiky Harry Ellis failed to nail down the England number nine jersey while Dawson was still in action and is now left as Robinson's premier scrumhalf somewhat by default.

Below Ellis the England cupboard is not bare - there is a handful of highly promising candidates to go on the summer tour of Australia - but equally it does not contain a single potential World Cup scrumhalf with any Test experience at all.

Dawson's retirement reduces to five the number of 2003 World Cup finalists in the England set-up - Josh Lewsey, Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Lawrence Dallaglio and Steve Thompson - and thereby reduces dramatically the level of experience and leadership in the squad.

Over a 14-year career, Dawson won 77 England caps, captained his country nine times and was selected for three Lions tours. His decision comes after a disappointing Six Nations in which he started just one game, the dismal defeat to France, as England finished fourth in the championship.