Age: 35 Height: 5' 10" Weight: 202 lbs Position: flanker England debut: 5 Feb 1994 England caps: 66

The 35-year-old played in six of England's seven matches in the World Cup in Australia, including the final.

"I no longer feel I can commit to the tour - the thought of spending another summer away from my family persuaded me," Back told The Mirror newspaper.

England coach Sir Clive Woodward said: "I had a long chat with Neil. He's been a great servant of the game."

Woodward confirmed that Back had made himself unavailable for the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia, following in the footsteps of Jason Leonard.

BACK'S CAREER 1969: Born on 16 January in Coventry 1990: Joins Leicester Tigers 1994: Awarded first international cap 1995: Selected for his first World Cup 1997: Earns recognition on Lions tour 1998: Named RFU Player of the Year 1999-2002: Enjoys domestic and European success with Leicester 2003: A vital part of England's World Cup winning team Neil Back profile

"Like all these players, you just have to applaud them and say well done," he said.

Back added: "I knew when I made the phone call that I probably had played my last game for England.

"I am well aware that Clive has said he will only consider players for the Six Nations who are committed to the tour of New Zealand and Australia."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron paid tribute to Back after learning the news.

"Neil's contribution to the game at all levels has been a massive one and he leaves the England set up with the best wishes of everyone involved: from the coaching staff, the management, his playing squad colleagues and everyone associated with the RFU," Baron said.

RFU president Robert Horner added: "Neil Back's international and club career with England, the British & Irish Lions and Leicester Tigers has been one dominated by success and achievement.

"The medals and cups he has won to date serve to underline what a superb player he has been at international level and will continue to be for his club, Leicester Tigers."

Neil has rewritten the openside flanker book of playing the game Peter Wheeler Leicester Tigers chief More reaction to Back decision

Back made his international debut in England' s 15-14 win against Scotland in 1994, but only began to be picked on a regular basis when Sir Clive Woodward took over as England coach three years later.

Until then, he had been the victim of the 'big is best' policy for back row selection by successive coaches.

But impressive performances for Leicester and on the Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 earned him recognition as a player of the highest quality.

In 1998, he was named RFU player of the year, and the following season was voted the first players' player of the year after scoring 16 tries - more than any other player.

In combination with Richard Hill and Lawrence Dallaglio, he formed the best back row England has ever had.

In 2001, he captained the national side for the first of four times in Australia, guiding them to a Cook Cup win.

I think he's been one of the great servants of England rugby From Pumpkin Eater Have your say on Scrum V

But the crowning achievement of his career came two years later, when he helped England defeat Australia once again to lift the Rugby World Cup for the first time.

The 35-year-old recently put his name forward as a possible captaincy successor to the retired Martin Johnson, before Lawrence Dallaglio took over.

Back has subsequently taken on a coaching role with Leicester in the wake of Dean Richards' departure as director of rugby, but was a shock omission from England's squad for their opening Six Nations clash.