LONDON: Josh Lewsey on Wednesday announced his retirement from playing for England with immediate effect.

Lewsey, a member of the England team that won the World Cup in 2003, will still continue to play for club side Wasps and his announcement leaves open the possibility of his being selected for next year's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

Lewsey, England's right-wing in their 20-17 extra-time triumph over Australian in Sydney five years ago, won 55 caps in all but was not selected by Martin Johnson for any of England's Tests last month at Twickenham.

The 32-year-old, who made his England debut on the infamous 1998 'Tour from Hell', also appeared in three Tests for the Lions during their losing tour of New Zealand three years ago.

"After consultation with Martin Johnson, the England team manager, I have decided to retire from representing my country on the rugby field," Lewsey told a news conference at Wasps' London training ground.

"I spoke with Martin on the phone earlier this week and 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, London Wasps."

Lewsey's final game for England was last year's World Cup semi-final win over France, where he touched down in the second minute for the last of his 22 Test tries.

However, a hamstring injury sustained later in that match meant the former soldier had to miss the final, where England lost 15-6 to South Africa.

"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," Lewsey added.

But this announcement does not mean Lewsey has called time on his international career completely.

"It is still a huge goal of mine to be part of a winning British Lions tour," he said.

"Therefore, my decision is also made in the belief that 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 Lions tour."

Johnson, Lewsey's captain at the 2003 World Cup, said: "Josh has spoken to me about his decision and while I'm disappointed I fully understand the reasons behind his decision to retire from international rugby.

"On behalf of the England squad I'd like to wish him every success with his continuing career with London Wasps.

"I know from first-hand experience what an asset Josh was to England over an international career that spanned 10 years, over 50 caps and two World Cups including the 2003 World Cup final and it was a pleasure to play alongside him," the former lock added. - AFP/de