Martin Johnson today announced his retirement from international rugby. England's World Cup-winning captain, who will be 34 in March, has called time on an illustrious 10-year Test career.
Johnson confirmed his widely-anticipated after Leicester's Heineken Cup game against Ulster at Welford Road.
"After talking to my family and friends and after a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international rugby with immediate effect," Johnson said.
"It has not been an easy decision and it has been a privilege to play for England with some great players and a great coaching staff."
He won 84 caps, putting him third on England's all-time list behind Jason Leonard and Rory Underwood, and led his country 39 times, including the World Cup final triumph against Australia in Sydney two months ago and a Six Nations Championship Grand Slam last year.
He is also the only man to captain two Lions tours, inspiring a 1997 Test series triumph in South Africa and being at the helm in Australia four years later.
On the domestic front, he skippered Leicester to 2001 and 2002 Heineken Cup triumphs and oversaw four Premiership title wins in as many seasons.
Fittingly, his final England appearance was the World Cup final when host nation and holders Australia were defeated after extra time in one of rugby union's classic matches.
Johnson will continue playing for Leicester, at least until the end of this season, and there could eventually be a coaching role for him with the Tigers.