Josh Lewsey’s decision to retire from international rugby was prompted by a phone conversation with Martin Johnson this week in which the England team manager made clear that the World Cup-winning full back did not feature in his plans.

Lewsey confirmed the immediate end to his 55-cap, ten-year England career yesterday, as The Times had revealed he would. He wants to concentrate on lifting London Wasps up the Guinness Premiership table and winning a place on the Lions tour to South Africa next summer.

“As he didn’t consider me to be an integral part of his immediate team moving forward, I have decided that I would be better served committing myself entirely to my club,” Lewsey said. “Playing, but more importantly winning, for your country is the most special feeling one can achieve. My last game for England was the semi-final of the World Cup in Paris last year and, although I would have liked to have contributed since, scoring the game’s only try was in hindsight a fitting moment to last wear a national jersey.”

After a poor start to the league season, Lewsey, 32, said that Wasps, the Premiership champions, could ill-afford the disruption caused by international call-ups. “While many onlookers may have written us off, our challenge is to improve on our poor start to the season and push to challenge for yet more silverware,” he said. “It is the competitive nature and self-belief of the characters at this club that have earned such success and how fitting to touch on this in a week that we say farewell to a great Wasps lady, Eileen Dallaglio, who epitomised this so much.

“It is still a huge goal of mine to be part of a winning Lions tour. I believe performing well in a successful club team week in and week out gives me the best chance possible of being selected for next year’s tour.”

Ian McGeechan the Wasps director of rugby and Lions head coach, led the tributes to the player. “Josh is probably one of the most successful backs in English rugby for his achievements both with his club and country,” he said. “He is one of the players who helps to deliver the kind of rugby we want to play, setting the right example, and his permanent presence will be of great benefit to the squad.”

Johnson spoke of his disappointment but understood Lewsey’s decision. “I know from first-hand experience what an asset Josh was to England,” he said.

Brian Williams, the RFU president, praised Lewsey’s commitment to helping underprivileged children through education and sport. The product of some of that work will be seen today with the final of a Lewsey-inspired tournament at Twickenham involving ten primary schools from the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

It will be held at half-time during the Nomura Varsity match and Lewsey will present the medals to the winning team.

Career at the back

Born Bromley, southeast London, on November 30, 1976
Position Wing/full back
Clubs Bristol and London Wasps
Height 1.78 metres (5ft 10in) Weight 87kg (13st 10lb)
Caps 55 — won 33, lost 22
England debut v New Zealand 1998
Last appearance v France World Cup semi-final 2007. Scored the game’s only try
International highlights Winning the World Cup in 2003 and grand slam the same year
Lions Toured New Zealand in 2005
Club appearances with London Wasps to date 245
Points 380 — 76 tries
Joined club 1998
Interests The Army. Served as an officer with the Royal Artillery for two years.