The 32-year-old back, who won the 2003 World Cup with England, is to hang up his boots after attempting to play his way into the British and Irish Lions squad for this summer's tour of South Africa.

Lewsey scored 22 tries in 55 appearances for his country, as well as winning earlier Lions honours, and helped Wasps to four Premiership titles, two Heineken Cups, a European Challenge Cup and two domestic cup successes.

Lewsey was expected to play the first of his three remaining games this afternoon when Wasps host Newcastle at Adams Park, when he was hoping to add to a tally of 385 points in 259 club matches.

He retired from England duty in December after being told by team manager Martin that he was not part of his plans, having been ignored for the 2008 autumn internationals.

At the end of the season, Lewsey will return to studying - he already has degrees in physiology and law - and a military career.

He also plans to trek over the Baltoro glacier to the base camp of K2 on the Pakistan-China border, and also reach the summit of Mount Everest, before starting a career as a management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

According to Wasps, Lewsey could return to the game in future to add to previous coaching experience with youth teams and Richmond women.

A club statement read: "Whether he pursues coaching in the future, his achievements on the field and contribution to the club and international game will not be forgotten.

"Lewsey will be sorely missed by all those who follow Wasps and hopefully it will be on the back of three strong performances for his club."

Lewsey's final season with Wasps is destined to end in disappointment with the reigning champions out of the Premiership play-off picture.

"It is far, far more difficult to leave the lads after a disappointing season," he told the Sunday Times.

"One day, I may be back. I can count the number of great coaches I worked with on the fingers of one hand."