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Hodgson, Mears end international careers

Saracens fly-half Charlie Hodgson has retired from international rugby after being told he is not part of Stuart Lancaster’s long-term planning for the 2015 World Cup, it was confirmed on Thursday.

Hodgson, who won 38 caps over an 11-year career, was followed into retirement by Bath hooker Lee Mears, who also stepped down as Lancaster looks to introduce a new generation of players.

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

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

“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 spent much of his early international career in the shadow of Jonny Wilkinson, although he memorably marked his 2001 England debut with a record 44-point haul in a 134-0 win over Romania.

Mears meanwhile earned 41 caps and featured for the British and Irish Lions in a Test against South Africa in 2009.