Courtney Lawes will be making his 106th international cap on Friday when England take on Argentina at the Stade de France.
The 3/4th place playoff with be England’s final match of the World Cup, and Lawes’ final ever match in an England shirt.
The 34-year-old has played in four World Cups and two British and Irish Lions tours. He is also one of only five Englishmen to be capped over 100 times for his country.
“I think it’s time. I’ve done four World Cups, so I’m pretty happy with that,” he said when discussing his future.
“I haven’t told Steve yet! But I will let him know.
“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. It flies by.
“I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on. To be able to finish with this group, it’s something I’ll treasure forever.”
England have had a difficult couple of years, but the hard hitting flanker has been a vital cog in the side for 15 year now, and is pleased that he will be leaving the side in a good condition.
“We showed to everyone what it means to play for this team,” the 34-year-old said.
“Play for your country and the boys alongside you.
“I think people can see now what a good coach he is – and where this team can really go.
“We want to finish on a high. It’s important for us to finish properly and send us all off on a good win.”
Former players and fans alike have been expressing their gratitude towards Lawes for all his years putting his body on the line for the English badge. Jim Hamilton called him one of the “toughest fu€kers” to have played the game.
Lawes will continue to perform domestically for Northampton Saints.
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