Grayson, 33 later this month, amassed exactly 400 points during his Test career, second only behind Jonny Wilkinson on England's all-time list.

England Coach Sir Clive Woodward said: I spoke with Paul earlier this week and I fully understand and respect his decision to retire.

He has been a wonderful presence on the pitch for England these past nine years, and I hope to see him return in a coaching capacity in the future.

He has my full respect as a player, and I wish him well for the future.

Grayson admitted that he faced a tough decision, but family commitments proved a critical factor.

It's a big decision, but I haven't had an uninterrupted summer for 10 years, he said.

I thought about stopping after the World Cup, so it has been on my mind for a while. Once I had made up my mind, that was it, and Charlie Hodgson and Olly Barkley are both fit and available to go on the tour if selected. It would be a tremendous opportunity for them.

I've signed for another year as a player with Northampton so, although coaching is something I enjoy and dipped my toe into a few years ago, I won't be looking at coaching for the moment.

Rugby Football Union president Robert Horner said: "Paul has become the sixth player to retire from international rugby since the 2003 RWC.

"Like those before him he played an important part in our Rugby World Cup success and his contribution to the team since his debut against Western Samoa in 1995 has been equally significant.

"On behalf of the RFU I wish him every success for his continuing club career at Northampton and in the future.''

RFU chief executive Francis Baron joined in the tributes saying: "Paul's record of 32 caps and 400 points speaks for itself. He has been an important and valued member of the England set-up over a period of nearly 10 years and we all wish him well.''

Grayson made his England debut against Western Samoa in 1995, but after featuring through to the 1999 World Cup, when he played in the quarter-final defeat against South Africa, he was cast to the international wilderness.

While Wilkinson made the England fly-half position all his own, Grayson's path back into the team appeared to be permanently blocked.

But his chance came again as a replacement against Scotland during the 2003 RBS 6 Nations campaign, and he enjoyed something of an Indian Summer.

He made England's World Cup squad in Australia, featuring as a replacement against Georgia before starting against Uruguay, and with Wilkinson injured post-tournament, Grayson was first choice for this season's RBS 6 Nations.

After starting against Italy, Scotland and Ireland though, during which time Grayson overtook Rob Andrew as England's second-highest international points scorer, he was hit by injury and Olly Barkley replaced him for the final matches against Wales and France.

In addition to England honours, he toured South Africa with the 1997 Lions, and will be remembered primarily as one of the finest modern-day goal-kickers.