England captain Kevin Sinfield has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old forward, who has featured in each of the last three World Cups, won 26 caps for England en route to becoming the country's top points-scorer.

"This is a decision I have taken a great deal of time over and it has been the toughest of my professional career," Sinfield said in a statement. "I have always loved playing for my country, whether for England or Great Britain, and it has been a privilege and honour to lead my country for the last two seasons.

"What has made the process easier is the knowledge that the environment Steve McNamara has created will continue the progress we have made in the last few seasons. I would like to thank Steve, not only for choosing me to captain England, but also for the support and guidance he has given me over the last few years.

"I would like to thank my family who have always supported me throughout my international career and all the England and Great Britain coaches I have worked under and of course my England and Great Britain team mates. I would like to thank the England and Great Britain fans who have always given me their support and I am sure more successful times are not far away."

Sinfield made his international debut in 2000.