Briers is fourth on the Wales all-time scorers list with 77 points in 18 games

Wales captain Lee Briers has announced his official retirement from the international game.

The Warrington half-back won 18 caps and scored 77 points for Wales after his debut against England in 1998.

He also stood down as captain of his club in April and said both decisions were part of his desire to spend more time with his family.

"I've put my heart and soul into my Welsh career but I feel that I have to sacrifice something," he said.

"I still consider myself Welsh through but unfortunately the time has come for me to quit the international scene.

"I've loved every minute. When I was little, if someone had said to me that I'd have got to play in a World Cup semi-final against the Aussies in a side that was winning for so long, I wouldn't have believed them."

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The 30-year-old was made captain of Wales in 2005 and is fourth on the all-time Welsh scoring list after Iestyn Harris, Jim Sullivan and Jonathan Davies with his points total made up of eight tries, 20 goals and five drop goals.

Despite his success with Wales, Briers only won one full Great Britain cap against France in 2001.

He was selected in the back-up squad for the 2006 Tri-Nations competition in Australia and New Zealand.

Wales Rugby League executive chairman Mark Rowley said: "We'd like to thank Lee for his services to Wales.

"He's been a great ambassador for the international game.

"We wish him all the best for the future and if he ever wants to get involved in Welsh rugby league again in the future then all his needs to do is give us a call."