Peacock ends England spell

England skipper Jamie Peacock has decided to retire from international rugby to concentrate on playing for Leeds Rhinos.

The veteran forward, who made his first appearance for his country back in 2000, helped England to an 18-10 victory over the Exiles earlier this month. That will be Peacock's last game for the national side as he looks to help Leeds win back-to-back Grand Final titles. A statement released by the player via the Rugby Football League read: "The last achievement I felt I could have with England would be to right the wrong and beat the Exiles team and this has happened. "I felt that the time would be right for me to step down and solely concentrate on playing for my club. "The focus for Steve McNamara and the England team has to be the objective of trying to win the Rugby League World Cup next year and for the next generation of players to be part of that process."