Mark Cueto predicts end of England days
17/07/2012
Mark Cueto has said he does not expect to add to his 55 England rugby union caps.
The 32-year-old Sale winger played his most recent game in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss against France last year.
He told BBC Radio Manchester: "I'm still available but I understand the situation, I'm slipping out gracefully," concluding: "I know I'm not going to play for England again."
Coach Stuart Lancaster's stated aim has been to build a side for the next World Cup and Cueto's advancing years will count against him.
Fans booking corporate hospitality at Twickenham for QBE International Series matches this autumn may be looking forward to seeing which emerging players can force their way into the reckoning.
Players who may come into contention in due course include former England under-20s player Jacob Rowan.
Still only 22, he was named captain of Leeds Carnegie ahead of the new season, making him the youngest captain of the club in its history.
By Ted Walker
