The 31-year-old, who scored in the final when England won rugbys greatest prize, made his shock decision just days before the squad is named for the autumn Test series.

The time has arrived to put my family and my wife before the England team, Robinson told the Mail on Sunday. My children want their Daddy, not some so-called superstar.

Robinson has had a mixed past year, although it started positively last November with his appointment as England captain for Twickenham clash against Canada.

He replaced the injured Jonny Wilkinson and became the first rugby league convert to skipper England.

However, England lost first three matches of the RBS 6 Nations Championship - their worst record since 1987 - and Robinson was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Robinson believes he could still be an asset to coach Andy Robinson, and revealed it was a hard decision for him to quit and devote time to his wife and children.

Robinson added: Physically, I know I still have a lot to offer England so, in many ways this was a hard decision for me to make.

I didnt want to let Andy, or any of the England guys down but the pull of my family proved greater.

Ive got five children and a beautiful wife and its time for them to be placed first.