Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio says dissatisfaction with Sir Clive Woodward's regime was behind his decision to quit international rugby. Dallaglio told The Guardian newspaper that England's dire southern hemisphere tour in 2004 was the final straw.
"I questioned the motivation of some of those involved with England both on the playing and coaching side," he said.
He also insisted he hoped to play in the 2007 World Cup even if he is not recalled by England on Wednesday.
"I know people will conclude that's the end for me (if I am not recalled), but I won't see it that way," he said.
"I know people's decisions, and personnel, can change very quickly.
"I've just signed to play for two more years with Wasps, and that means I'm available for England the same length of time."
Dallaglio, who has won 73 England caps, insisted his decision to retire was not because he no longer felt able to compete at the highest level.
"My retirement (in 2004) was premature in terms of form and fitness because I was not being deselected," he said.
"I was England captain and I'd finished the domestic season leading both the Premiership and European champions.
"I then went away with England and in three matches against New Zealand and Australia we lost by 30 points, 40 points and 50 points. I didn't deserve that."
Dallaglio also said his premature exit from the Lions tour, when he was injured in the first match in New Zealand, against Bay of Plenty in June 2005, was a blessing in disguise.
At the time he was separated from the mother of his three children but they were subsequently reconciled.
After checking himself out of hospital in New Zealand Dallaglio had 10 days on his own, which he described as "totally cathartic".
He said: "How often do you get 10 days completely on your own, without the intrusions of everyday life?
"I had the chance to take a long hard look at my life."
He returned to England for a month-long holiday with his partner and children, and moved onto a new chapter in his life.
"It might have been a rugby disaster to some but I felt almost spiritual about it," he said.
"I was clearly not meant to be in New Zealand; I was meant to be back at home sorting out things."
MMIX
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It might have been a rugby disaster to some but I felt almost spiritual about it