England captain Jamie Peacock announced his retirement from international rugby league, on this day in 2012.
The then 34-year-old Leeds prop called time on his 12-year international career but would continue to feature for his club after signing a new two-year deal taking him to the end of the 2014 season.
Peacock’s England debut came against Russia in the 2000 World Cup and he walked the England side out for the final time in their 18-10 win over the Exiles in June 2012.
He ended his international career with 21 England caps to his name and also made a further 26 appearances for Great Britain.
Peacock said: “The last achievement I felt I could have with England would be to right the wrong and beat the Exiles team and this has happened.
“To play and captain your country is the highest honour within the game and this was a decision that was not taken lightly.
“In 2000, when I made my debut, it was beyond my wildest ambition and dreams that I would then go on to represent my country nearly 50 times and captain them for seven years.
“I felt that the time would be right for me to step down and solely concentrate on playing for my club.”
