Catt was cagey over his future after the final defeat

Catt, a veteran of four World Cup campaigns, said after last Saturday's World Cup final that he would take time to assess his future.

But in extracts from his autobiography in the Mail on Sunday he said of the loss to South Africa: "I had made up my mind it would be my last international.

"Others had come to the same decision. Nothing was said but everyone knew."

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Catt has two years to run on his contract at London Irish, where he will take a player/coach role this season.

Like fellow 2003 World Cup winner Jason Robinson who has retired from all rugby, he did not make it to the end of the defeat in the Stade de France, having to come off with a calf injury.

The match was his 75th in an England shirt. He also made a single appearance for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 1997.

Several others in England's team may also have played their last international, although hooker Mark Regan and number eight Lawrence Dallaglio, who are both 35, have said they want to continue.

Catt was the oldest player to play in a World Cup final and his experience was at times during the tournament vital in the England midfield.

Dropped after the South Africa defeat in the pool stages, he cemented his place in the first team after Andy Farrell's injury earned him a late call-up for the quarter-final with Australia.