ENGLAND front row Rochelle Clark brought down the curtain today on her international career but not before telling the Rugby Football Union: “We simply have to go professional.”

Clark’s international career spanned 15 years and four World Cups and the loose-head prop will continue playing for Wasps next season, but, after making 137 appearances for the Red Roses, which identifies her as the nation’s most capped rugby player, she has opted to end her time with England.

The 37-year-old made her international debut in 2003 and has seen the sport evolve to a point where the RFU introduced contracts to the 15-a-side game in 2016, only to controversially decide to not renew them following England’s defeat to New Zealand in the 2017 World Cup final.

Clark called on the back and forth to stop, saying: “Having the opportunity to go professional was a massive thing and it paid dividends.

“We went to New Zealand and beat them in their own backyard after 16 years and then we had the spectacle of the World Cup final in 2017 with England against New Zealand.

“But it can only be of benefit if we can get professional long term instead of dipping in and out. Other nations are going professional and we simply have to go professional too. We need the time to recover and the hours in training.”

Clark last took to the pitch for England against Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations and has left the door open for a return, but only if she is needed.

“It’s probably time to let the youngsters come in while we’re building to the next World Cup,” she added.

“But, if they ever need me, I’d always pull the white shirt back on. I’ll probably regret the decision so that’s why I’d like to leave the door open a little bit, but I’m looking forward to what happens in the future.”

Clark won her first cap coming on as a substitute against Canada in 2003 and went on to win the World Cup in 2014.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I have decided it’s time to retire from international rugby,” said Clark, who will continue in her roles as head coach of Chesham Stags and as a personal trainer.

“I look back on my 15-year England career and think of the friends I have made and the opportunities we were given. I have shared some incredible experiences with so many great people.

“The highlight has to be winning the 2014 World Cup, made all the more special having come close twice before.

“I have been incredibly lucky to wear the shirt through some major changes to the game, playing as both an amateur and professional.

“I am excited for the direction women’s rugby is headed and am proud of the contributions we made as players along the way.”

Red Roses’ head coach Simon Middleton hailed Clark as a “true legend of rugby,” before adding: ““She gave as much off the pitch as on it. She’s been an absolute inspiration to us and embodies everything a Red Rose should be.”