Hodgson and Mears hang up boots

Saracens fly-half Charlie Hodgson and Bath hooker Lee Mears have retired from international rugby with England.

The move comes after they were told they do not feature in the future plans of England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Hodgson won 38 England caps over an 11-year international career while Mears represented his country on 41 occasions and made one Test appearance for the British and Irish Lions, against South Africa in 2009.

Lancaster spoke to both players during the summer tour of South Africa and they agreed that England need to blood younger players in their positions, with the 2015 Rugby World Cup in mind.

"Firstly, both Charlie and Lee have been outstanding senior players in the last six months and I cannot thank them enough for the support they have given me and this young squad as we move forward," Lancaster said.

"With 80 caps between them they have a vast amount of experience and that has been invaluable.

"I had chats with both of them in South Africa and our thoughts were not too dissimilar - that if we are building a team for 2015 then, just as we did in January, we have to decide on which players will take us forward and be in the mix in three years' time."

Mears broke into the England team in 2005 but it was not until the 2008 Six Nations that he established his position as the first-choice hooker with a run of form that saw him start the first Lions Test against the Springboks in 2009.

"The memories of playing international rugby will live with me forever," Mears said.

"I feel privileged and proud to have experienced two World Cups and a British Lions tour and to have had outstanding team-mates.

"While I won't be a part of it, having seen what Stuart has implemented over the Six Nations and in South Africa, I am excited about the future of this group of players and English rugby and I wish them all the best.

"I have at least one more year at Bath left and with a new coaching team I am excited about next season."

England's hooking options for the future include Leicester rookie Tom Youngs and Saracens' Jamie George.