The 33-year-olds decision comes as a blow to England coach Andy Robinson ahead of next years World Cup defence.

Wasps player Dawson is Englands most-capped scrum-half but enjoyed limited opportunities in the recent RBS 6 Nations with Leicesters Harry Ellis playing an increasingly prominent role in the future of English rugby.

Dawson told The Times: I always promised myself I would never flog myself into the ground, to the detriment of my performance.

You cant underestimate the effect rugby has on your body - its getting harder to play the game as I did four or five years ago.

This is no reflection on Englands recent results, its all about timing and at some stage you have to be a bit selfish.

First Dawson must focus on Sundays Powergen Cup final against Llanelli at Twickenham before the conclusion of the Premiership season.

He added: It has been a fairly traumatic decision to make and it may surprise some people.

But there are some great opportunities coming my way that I cant afford to miss out on, which make me very excited about going to that next level of my career. I can go out at the top of my game, still enjoying my rugby.

Dawson, who made his name at Northampton, insists talk of entering the coaching side of the game is premature.

The game probably requires that kind of coaching more than ever, he said.

There is no way I should be playing for England, or sitting on the bench, at 33, with relatively little pressure.

England head coach Robinson led the tributes to Dawson.

Matt has been an outstanding player for Northampton Saints, London Wasps, the British & Irish Lions and of course England, he said.

As one of the key members and leaders of the side, Matt made a huge contribution towards England becoming the number one side in the world in 2003, to the Grand Slam in the same year and of course our RWC (World Cup) success.

He was also an excellent captain for his country and Id like to wish him every success in the future.

LeRoy Angel, president of the Rugby Football Union, said: Matt has made a huge contribution to the game at club and international level in a career spanning more than decade.

As a member of two successful club sides, British and Irish Lions tours and Englands RWC 2003 success his place in rugby history is assured.

On behalf of the RFU I would like to extend my best wishes to him and his future career.