STATEMENT: England international confirms retirement aged 34

Paying tribute, close friend and long-time teammate Cipriani wrote: "Congratulations Simmo! Super talented player! Gave it 100% every game and training session! Best pre game team talks ever too."

"I have been lucky to play all over the world," Simpson told the Sharks club website.

"In Toulon, in Toulouse, at night in packed-out stadiums, that is when you realise how far you have come."

"I have played in a Premiership final with Wasps," Simpson added. "That was probably the closest team I have played in, that was my team.

"Being out there on the pitch and you look around and see your closest friends, that is very special.

"I am also enormously proud of my England appearance [against Georgia in New Zealand]. I think I actually took it for granted at the time, I didn't fully appreciate how big it was."

RUCK asked rugby fans to pick the five players they were most hyped for when they were breaking through into the England set-up.

The poll has not finished yet so the results have been taken at the timing of writing.

The 2013 British & Irish Lion quit Wasps in order to pursue a lucrative career in the NFL, having grown disillusioned with rugby union. The 29-year-old was one of the most recognised names in the domestic game, but his continued absence from the international set-up – having won just one England cap on the 2013 tour of Argentina – had left him frustrated and fed up of continuously being overlooked. What a waste.

Making his debut against Wales, when the then-18-year-old was repeatedly dumped by Welsh centre Gavin Henson is infamous. That day would set back Tait’s development significantly, but he still played in the Rugby World Cup in 2007. After a quiet tournament, Tait lit up the final against South Africa with a dashing break that led to Mark Cueto’s infamously disallowed try.

But if Tait’s footwork in the final demonstrated his talent, he was never able to demonstrate that consistently on the biggest stage. Shifts from outside centre, to wing and then to full-back stunted his progress and were indicative of a possible star whose versatility worked against him ultimately.

He never endeared himself to the England hierarchy and although his playing ability was rarely in doubt, he was not regarded as a good fit for the group. With his big boot, aerial prowess and ability to break tackles, Armitage is another who never reached his potential with England.

The speedster was always a fan favourite and narrowly missed out on selection for the 2003 World Cup, despite being involved in the all-conquering England team of the 2002 Autumn Internationals. Although heralded as a potential world-class wing, injury constantly blighted his career and he ended his career with a pitiful 10 caps.

After making his England debut in the 2008 Six Nations, Danny Cipriani appeared to have the rugby world at his feet. The then-21-year-old produced a magnificent display as England thumped Ireland 33-10; surely England had found the heir apparent for legend Jonny Wilkinson.

Sadly this was not the case as controversy after controversy followed, meaning despite his incredible talent ,the 32-year-old has accumulated just 16 caps.