David Strettle has withdrawn from England's training squad ahead of this autumn's World Cup.

The 31-year-old wing is to be replaced by Bath Rugby's Semesa Rokoduguni in the 50-man squad.

After winning the Aviva Premiership title with Saracens last month, Strettle agreed to join French club Clermont Auvergne next season, which was behind his decision to pull out of the squad.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster admitted to being "disappointed" by the player's decision, but is also fully understanding of the situation.

"Clearly a lot has been going on with David recently with the late interest from Clermont and his decision to leave Saracens," he said in a statement. "After visiting France recently and discussing it with his family, he has made the decision to move early to get settled before the season in France starts.

"Obviously, it is disappointing but David and I have chatted and he feels that, having made the move, he wants to get on with forging his new career and we both agreed it was the best course of action for him to withdraw from the squad. We all wish David and his family well in France as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

"I will bring in Semesa Rokoduguni, who was very unlucky not to be included in the first instance, and is now looking forward to joining up with the rest of the players. Roko is currently in Fiji but he will be with us as soon as possible."

The Red Rose squad linked up for the start of their pre-World Cup training camp earlier today at Pennyhill Park.