Back announces retirement Neil Back profile

Wheeler praised the Leicester flanker for setting a new benchmark in fitness.

"Neil has rewritten the openside flanker book of playing the game," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He put fitness levels to a much higher degree and people have caught up now, as they often do when someone sets a new standard."

Wheeler said Back's achievements were even more impressive because he was considered too short by some coaches in his early England career.

Neil's contribution to the game at all levels has been a massive one RFU chief Francis Baron

"I think there was a huge amount of prejudice because of his size."

"That was a time in professional rugby when people were getting bigger and stronger and some selectors felt you had to be a certain height in the back row to be able to play.

"He was not only quick to the breakdown, he was always able to carry on movements, carry on attacks because of his ball-playing skills and his great strength in taking the ball off the opposition."

Wheeler also said Back had been thinking about his future with England since being left out of the opening Six Nations clash last month.

"Having spoken with Neil in recent weeks since he got left out of the first Six nations game and has been sitting on the bench, I know he's obviously been considering his international future and has come up with this decision.

"I think if he had started that game and was playing in the Six Nations then, he would have given the summer series some consideration

"He is reaching the stage in his career where he is looking to the future."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron also paid tribute to Back.

"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," he 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.