Courtney Lawes to end England playing career after Rugby World Cup

• Lawes set for international retirement after Argentina playoff
• ‘It’s a bit of an end of an era but it’s been a real honour’

Courtney Lawes has admitted the World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa marks the end of an era after confirming his intentions to retire from England duty after the tournament.

Lawes, who with 105 caps is England’s fifth-most capped men’s international, will call time on his Test playing days after Friday’s bronze medal match against Argentina. He could be joined by a host of others including Dan Cole, Joe Marler, Ben Youngs and Danny Care, who are all also in the twilight of their careers.

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