Duo quit England set-up

Charlie Hodgson: Was capped 38 times by England

Lee Mears and Charlie Hodgson have announced their international retirements following England's 2-0 series defeat to South Africa.

The duo, who were both fringe members of the touring party, have opted to rule themselves out of selection for the elite player squad after holding talks with England coach Stuart Lancaster.

Saracens fly-half Hodgson has been capped 38 times, but has fallen down the pecking order - with Owen Farrell and Toby Flood the preferred options for the No.10 jersey against the Springboks.

Bath hooker Lee Mears has won 42 caps, but he too has found there to be increasing competition for a place in the side - with Dylan Hartley having established himself as first choice.

"Both Charlie and Lee in the last six months have been outstanding senior players and I cannot thank them enough for the support they have given me and this young squad as we move forward."
Stuart Lancaster Quotes of the week

Lancaster, who said: "Firstly, both Charlie and Lee in the last six months have been outstanding senior players and I cannot thank them enough for the support they have given me and this young squad as we move forward.

"With 80 caps between them they have a vast amount of experience and that has been invaluable.

Chats

"I had chats with both of them in South Africa and our thoughts were not too dissimilar - that if we are building a team for 2015 then, just as we did in January, we have to decide on which players will take us forward and be in the mix in three years' time."

Hodgson's international career has often been hampered by injury, however he was given the chance to shine by Lancaster during the RBS Six Nations.

He said: "I have been very proud to represent England over the last 11 years. Wearing the shirt has always been the highest honour for me, not least in the last six months, and no-one would want to give that up.

"But Stuart and I came to the same conclusion that the time is right to let a new group of fly-halves take England forward. Saracens have been very good to me and been key to me getting back on the international scene and I can now fully focus on them, not to mention a young family."

Mears admitted he would now be focusing on the coming season at Bath - where he faces competition from another England hooker in the shape of Rob Webber.

"The memories of playing international rugby will live with me forever," he said.

"I feel privileged and proud to have experienced two World Cups and a British Lions tour and to have had outstanding team-mates.

"While I won't be a part of it, having seen what Stuart has implemented over the Six Nations and in South Africa, I am excited about the future of this group of players and English rugby and I wish them all the best.

"I have at least one more year at Bath left and with a new coaching team I am excited about next season."