Courtney Lawes will retire from England duty after the Rugby World Cup.
England’s agonising 16-15 semi-final defeat to South Africa could now become his last Red Rose appearance.
Vice-captain Lawes won his 105th cap as England stunned the defending champion Springboks in Paris on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old will continue his club career with Northampton Saints, but confirmed he will hang up his international boots after the World Cup.
England will face Argentina in Paris on Friday night in the third-place play-off, where Lawes could yet feature one more time in Test colours.
Lawes made his England debut in November 2009, and will shortly bring down the curtain on a staggering 14-year international career comprising four World Cups and two Lions tours.
“This was my last World Cup, the kids are at that age where they need their dad around,” said Lawes, who also confirmed he will retire from Test rugby after the World Cup.
“It will be good to be with them more, to provide some well-needed structure to the mob!
“It’s a bit of an end of an era, but it’s been a real honour for me to represent England for so long.
“It flies by. I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on. It’s not always ups, there were plenty of downs in there but I’ve pushed through.
“I’m not an emotional person really, but it’s just been a huge honour for me, to be honest.
“To be able to finish with this group, it’s something I’ll treasure forever.”
Lawes formed an integral part of England’s run to the 2019 World Cup final, and led from the physical front as Steve Borthwick’s side so nearly returned to the showpiece four years on.
“I haven’t told Steve yet!” said Lawes, of the decision on his Test future.
“But I’ve said to the boys, anyone that’s asked. I think it’s time.
“I’ve done four World Cups, so I’m pretty happy with that.
“As hard as it is being away from your family, this is almost another family. You really feel like that, especially in World Cup camps.
“It’s five months, staying with your brothers. I’ll definitely miss the boys, the banter and the stuff we get up to when we’re not training.
“I’ll miss the hard work as well, and I’ll definitely miss pulling on the jersey and giving it everything.”
England rattled the Boks at a rocking Stade de France on Saturday night.
Lawes and Company stunned South Africa by dominating in absolutely every facet for a near-perfect first hour.
Owen Farrell landed four penalties and a monster drop-goal to have England leading 15-6 with just 12 minutes left to play.
But then RG Snyman powered in for a quickfire converted try, and Handre Pollard’s last-gasp penalty sunk Borthwick’s battling boys.
England will take on the Pumas in Friday’s third-place match, a re-run of the tournament opener that the Red Rose men won 27-10 in Marseille.
Lawes admitted he does not yet know whether he will feature against Argentina.
Head coach Borthwick will go all-out for victory in the encounter, but may also look to mix up selection and bring in some fresh legs.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the team, so it might be that the semi-final is my last game for England, who knows?” said Lawes.
“Regardless, we want to finish on a high. It’s important for us to finish properly and send us all off on a good win.”
