Dallaglio ends Test career

[Kinky Gerbil]

Lawrence Dallaglio has called a shock end to his international career, stepping down as captain of England's rugby union team.
The 32-year-old said the "time was right to stand aside" after 10 years and 73 caps with the national side.

But he denied that there had been any rift with England coach Clive Woodward.

Favourites to replace him for November Tests against South Africa, Australia and Canada are Jonny Wilkinson, flanker Richard Hill and prop Phil Vickery.
"I've been very fortunate to have played with and against some of the greatest players the game has ever seen," said Dallaglio.

"And I feel after 10 years of being an England player the time is right to step aside.

"I've always felt that I would know, almost instinctively, when it was the right time to retire from playing for England. I honestly feel that time is now."

Dallaglio confirmed that he would honour the remaining two years of his club contract at Wasps.

But he admitted that playing for his country was the "greatest honour" and would not rule out playing for the Lions on their tour of New Zealand.
"In my personal opinion there can be no greater honour or pride than to represent your country," said Dallaglio, a captain on 22 occasions.

"You live the dreams and aspirations of the whole nation and have the ability to inspire and enrich others.

"I've had that privilege 73 times and I would like to thank Sir Clive Woodward, the RFU and all the supporters and sponsors for all the support they have given me."

Woodward paid tribute to Dallaglio's contribution to rugby.

"Lawrence informed me of his decision and I fully understand his reasons," he said.

"He has been not only an outstanding player for England but a great captain and on behalf of all the England squad we wish him well as he continues his career.

"Lawrence was my first captain when I took over the role in September 1997 and he has always been an important and valued member of the squad."

from bbc web site


lwont ever forget that run and pass that set up our try in world cup final

 

[Icy Gull]

A great destructive player but not that creative, never came close to filling Johnson's boots and I'd suggest he knows it, which is why he's retired as captain. Churlish I know but I was never a big Dallagio fan, I prefer flair players, but someone has to do the meathead job.

Contrary to London Irish's rant on the Woodward thread, Sir Clive will build a team that can challenge for the next World Cup and will undoubtably blow away two of the three home nations in the next 6 Nations tournament. beating the Welsh and the French may not prove so easy during the reconstruction of the WORLD CHAMPIONS.

 

[London Irish]

The truth hurts, Icy Gull, but Dollally has chucked it in because he doesn't get on with Weirdo. He knows full well England are going to get hammered in the Autumn internationals and he wants out of the firing line - smart move!

I quite like Dollally, his mum used to come along to support London Irish, and I can assure you he is more of a flair player than the guys England will now be forced to play at 8.

As for not beating the Welsh, Jeezus, even I'd back this current underperforming England side to do that, the Welsh domestic game is currently too weak to beat any team made up of Zurich Premiership players.

Enjoyed my total flaming in the Woodward thread, never thought I'd see rugby stirring up that much passion on here!

By the way, Clive Woodward told the Sunday Times back in January that his long-term interest lay in managing in football at the level of England, so that's why these Southampton rumours have grown. He has undoubtedly co-operated with the Daily Mail today in their story.

As a fan of both football and rugby, my view is that the codes are so different that it is utterly ludicrous for anyone to have an ambition to transfer over in management at a top level.

But it will be quite funny to watch football fans' reaction to this utterly arrogant takeover attempt by rugby. Looking forward to it immensely.