Martin Corry retires from international rugby

Leicester and England flanker Martin Corry has announced his retirement from international rugby, shortly before the Six Nations is due to start.

The 34 year old Corry was due to be named in the English squad for the upcoming tournament, but turned down coach Brian Ashton’s invitation, citing the fact that there are a huge number of young, talented loose forwards coming through the ranks and he feels it’s time to step aside. England need to rebuild, and Corry acknowledges that he won’t be around for the next World Cup, so now is the time to let the young talent come through.

A well respected individual who off the field is a great man, and on the field always gave one hundred percent for his country. His non-compromising style of play and great talent made him one of the better performers in recent England rugby history. He will be sorely missed and a great loss to the country, despite the young guns knocking on the door.

Corry has toured with the British & Irish Lions, been a World Cup winner with England in 2003, and currently captains the Leicester Tigers club.

And that is where Corry will be focussing all his attention now, stating that he feels he owes them his full commitment and cannot maintain the same high level of play while playing for both club and country.

Its just a shame I am getting old, he said. If I could carry on for the next 10 years, I would because I genuinely love playing for Leicester and England.

Unfortunately, I just cant keep doing it all. Something has to give if I want to keep playing to the required standard.

In the below clip, against the Sale Sharks recently, he bumped off Magnus Lund with a big carry after fielding the 22 drop-out, then went on to take the next two balls forward around the fringes.

He was also heavily involved in Tom Croft’s second try vs the Harlequins on the weekend, showing that he still has all the skills required to play at the top.

Another few years to stay in the camp to guide the youngsters, or is now the right time to step down from international duty?