LONDON (AFP) - Matt Dawson could be the latest England rugby union World Cup winner to have played his last match for his country after the revelation he was stepping down from the 60 man Elite Player Squad (EPS) because of business commitments.
However the two-time British and Irish Lion tourist said he was determined to get his place back after caretaker coach Andy Robinson dropped him from the squad because he was unable to turn up for the training session.
"Obviously I am disappointed to be out of the EPS squad but I understand and respect Andy's decision to do so," Dawson said Monday.
The scrum-half moved from his longtime club Northampton to European Cup champions Wasps in the summer.
"I will be working hard to earn my place back. I have a long standing commitment that I simply can't reverse."
Robinson said there was still a possibility of a return for the livewire scrum-half, whose cleverly delayed pass set up Jonny Wilkinson for the drop goal in the dying seconds of extra-time that clinched the World Cup last November 20-17 over Australia.
"I respect Matt's decision and wish him well," said Robinson, who has replaced Sir Clive Woodward since he stepped down earlier this month.
"It's important that the England squad makes full use of its training days together but Matt is unable to attend due to a business commitment.
"We're both disappointed with the situation but the door is still open for a return at some point, should his priorities change."
Fellow World Cup heroes Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio have already announced their international retirements.