Although the experienced tighthead has agreed to go on standby for the two-month competition, he will not be part of Englands official 30-man squad.

England head coach Brian Ashton is due to name his World Cup party on August 14, but White has now followed Northampton wing Ben Cohen in making himself unavailable.

Ashton, whose World Cup training squad is currently based at the University of Bath, said White had indicated he did not want to leave his young family behind for a lengthy period.

White, who is from a farming background, has also bought a considerable amount of land and has commitments in that area.

Ashton said: Julian has got a young family, and he doesn't want to leave them. Farming-wise he has taken a lot on.

He will not be part of the World Cup 30, but he will be on standby.

It is a blow, but it is his choice based on those two reasons.

I have talked it through with him, and I understand why. He has made his mind up.

Family reasons were also behind Cohen's decision not to make himself available for France, but Ashton is clearly prepared to take this latest blow on the chin.

Given fellow tight head prop Phil Vickery's status as captain, White would realistically not have expected to start the bigger World Cup games, including the pivotal pool clash against South Africa in Paris on September 14.

But the experience gained from more than 30 England Test appearances would still have made him an important member of Ashton's squad that will try to defend the Webb Ellis trophy.

Elsewhere, Ashton has confirmed Gloucester centre Mike Tindall's reappearance with the squad.

Tindall's World Cup hopes hinge on him overcoming injury, but he will be assessed on a daily and weekly basis as England continue their preparations.

Bristol number eight Dan Ward-Smith is fighting to recover from a knee injury sustained six-months ago, and Ashton admitted it would be a close call whether or not he makes the final selection deadline.