The 31-year-old Wales and Lions scrum-half has been struggling with a recurring knee injury and has decided that it is time to draw a curtain over a distinguished international career.

However, after winning his 59th Wales cap against the Scots at the Millennium Stadium, Howley will continue to ply his trade next door at the Arms Park for club side Cardiff.

Howley became Wales most capped scrum-half this season, when he overtook greats Gareth Edwards and Robert Jones.

"I had already made the decision not to tour with Wales to South Africa in the summer," Howley, who also wants to spend more time with his family, told The Times newspaper.

"There's never a good time to make a decision like this, but I felt that the time is right.

"My wife is expecting our second child this week and obviously my family commitments will increase after that.

"It is also no secret that my knee is still causing me problems and combining club rugby with international rugby commitments makes it tougher all the time."

Howley made his senior debut as an 18-year-old for Bridgend, but it wasn't until February 1996 that he made his Wales debut in a narrow 21-15 loss to England at Twickenham.

Selection for the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa followed the next season, but a dislocated shoulder suffered in a fierce match against Natal ruled Howley out of the Test series when he looked certain to start.

He did at least earn his just reward in the 2001 tour to Australia, playing in the first two Tests until a broken rib ruled him out of the series decider against the Wallabies.

Howley is without doubt one of the finest number nines of his generation and arguably one of the best the northern hemisphere has ever produced.