England rugby union star Martin Corry is to retire from international rugby. The decision by the rugby ace is a real blow for England coach Brian Ashton.

England´s rugby betting odds are 9/4 to win the forthcoming Six Nations.

The Leicester Tigers player announced to the British media: "If there is ever a right moment to step aside from representing England this is it.

"I've had my time and none of us can keep going forever. It's just a shame I am getting old."

The dynamic back row player represented England in the World Cup final defeat against South Africa in the Autumn.

"If I could carry on for the next 10 years I would because I genuinely love playing for Leicester and England.

"Brian Ashton rang me to say they were going to name me in the 32 (for the RBS 6 Nations) and asked if that was what I wanted.

"But sadly, I just can't keep doing it all.

"Something has to give if I want to keep playing to the required standard. I have a young family and it is difficult leaving them on England tours. I need to stay at home more and wash a few more dishes."

England have now lost Jason Robinson, Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio through retirement for England's first game against Wales at Twickenham, London on February 2.

Corry was capped 64 times for England. He made six appearances for the British Lions.

Ex England rugby union skipper Lawrence Dallaglio has retired from international rugby will finish his playing days when his Wasps contract runs to a close in May.

Wasps are a massive 50/1 to win the 2008 Guinness Premiership.

Dallaglio, who won the 2003 World Cup commented: "The World Cup final against South Africa on October 20 was my 85th and final game for England.

"I have enjoyed a marvellous run and been the proudest of Englishmen every time I wore my country's jersey.

"However, I believe my international career has run its course and it is time for me to step aside and make room for the young guns kicking down the door."

Dallaglio was a member of the English rugby squad that reached the final of the 2007 World Cup that lost to South Africa.

Born in Shepherd´s Bush in 1972, Dallaglio is expected to move into coaching when he hangs up his boots. His performances in the English back row mark him down as one of the country´s all-time greats.

French rugby star Sebastien Chabal has rebuffed contract offers from clubs in France and put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Manchester-based Sale Sharks.

The Sharks are 8/1 to win the 2008 Guinness Premiership.

The hulk-like Chabal was coach Philippe Saint-Andre's first signing for Sale in 2004. In his time at Edgeley Park the bearded forward has become a highly popular figure in south Manchester.

"I have really enjoyed my spell in England and am able to get on with playing rugby, which I enjoy," said Chabal. "If I lived and played in France, I think my wife would go crazy with all the supporter attention I receive there."

Chabal´s wild rugged looks have earned him a popular reputation with the ladies.

The signing is a major boost to the club after Jason Robinson retired in the summer. They also secured All Blacks centre Luke McAlister on a two year-contract after impressing in the World Cup.

Sale´s chief exec James Jennings could not hide his delight: "Sebastian Chabal's decision to stay at Sale Sharks is testament to how world-class players like 'Seabass' view Sale as a more attractive option than other leading European clubs.

"Sebastian Chabal is currently the best known and most popular sports personality in France, but he has opted to commit his future to Sale for the next two years at least.

"We are delighted that 'Seabass' is staying with the club and look forward to enjoying many more seasons of his dynamic and attacking style of play."

Chabal's new deal with the Sharks includes the option of a third year.

Paul Sykes has confirmed his return to Bradford after securing a release from the two years left on his contract with the Harlequins.

The 26-year-old, who made his Great Britain debut this summer, will link up with the Bulls next season on a two-year deal, returning to Odsal almost seven years after making the last of 19 appearances.

"A lot has changed at Bradford since the first time around and I think there's only Paul Deacon and Jamie Langley still there," he told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus. "But I'm ready for a fresh challenge and I'm hoping to move back north to win some silverware. Bulls are always challenging and I'm glad I'm going to be a part of that."

He added: "Also, my girlfriend has just given birth to our first child and we want to be closer to our family."

The Bulls have paid an undisclosed fee for the Dewsbury-born player, who will be a replacement for Australia-bound Ben Harris.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have secured an outstanding English centre.

"There's a dearth of English centres in the competition but Paul is on the fringes of the Great Britain squad."

England believe former Test skipper Martin Corry will be fit and available for their opening World Cup game against the United States in Lens next week.

The Leicester forward limped off nursing a knee problem during England's 22-9 tournament warm-up loss to France in Marseille 11 days ago.

England's 30-man World Cup squad assembled at Twickenham on Wednesday, where they held a light training session, and although Corry did not take part, England head coach Brian Ashton said: "Martin didn't train today, but he is continuing his rehab from a left knee injury. We believe he will be fit and in contention for a place in the 22 for our first pool match."

Meanwhile, Eddie O'Sullivan will continue as Ireland coach until 2012 after signing a four-year extension to his contract.

The 48-year-old's previous deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union was set to expire after next year's RBS 6 Nations, arguably freeing him to lead the Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa.

O'Sullivan said of his new contract: "I am deeply honoured that the appointments committee of the IRFU should see fit to give me a further extension in my role as national coach at this time."

Scotland's World Cup preparations suffered a significant setback as they were comprehensively defeated 27-3 by South Africa in their final warm-up at Murrayfield.

Chris Paterson kicked the home side into an early lead but the Springboks replied with three first-half tries from Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie and Fourie du Preez to effectively end the game as a contest.

Frank Hadden's side desperately tried to find a way back into the match but struggled to make any holes in the Springboks' watertight defence.

Only the talented Rory Lamont offered a genuine threat to the visitors while the forwards – impressive in recent games – were brought down to earth by the southern hemisphere giants.

In contrast, England's World Cup pool opponents, despite missing captain John Smit who has a hamstring injury, demonstrated why they are second favourites for next month's tournament.

Their gameplan was limited, relying on their famously powerful pack, but they also displayed a clinical efficiency when presented with an opening. The terrific Habana was a threat every time he touched the ball.

Frank Hadden believes his Scotland team are beginning to show the sort of form which could see them exceed expectations at next month's World Cup.

The head coach named his 30-man squad for the tournament and has been greatly encouraged by the work rate of his players during training this summer, and also by their impressive showing during Saturday's 31-21 victory over Ireland at Murrayfield.

"We just can't wait. We knew that we were making progress in our preparation but you're never quite sure if that is going to transfer into the game," he said. "We think we got a bit of transfer into the game on Saturday and that gives us the confidence to believe we are going in the right direction."

He added: "Who knows how it will all pan out in the wash, but we know we are going to be competitive. We know the competition is going to be extremely tight, there's not going to be much in it, but we believe we've got a fighting chance.

"I'm not saying we're the best side in the world, but if we can get on a bit of a roll we're going to be very dangerous."

Hadden went on to explain that the large number of injuries his team suffered last season – which included long term lay-offs to senior players such as Jason White, Mike Blair, Simon Webster, Craig Smith and Allister Hogg – may have actually benefited his team in the long term.

He said: "We handed out 10 new caps in the Six Nations. If you had a five-match run at club level, you wouldn't expect to win anything if you had to make 10 changes – that's not how you generate success.

"But that was forced on us, and retrospectively we're delighted that these guys have had the opportunity.

"I'd rather we hadn't had so many injuries, but maybe that was a blessing in disguise because so many young guys were able to be blooded and had the opportunity to gain a little bit of experience that is going to be invaluable to them further down the line.

"We have finally got ourselves into a position where there really is competition for places in every department, and the intensity of the competition is something we were delighted with, even if it gave the selectors plenty of headaches when it came to picking a final 30 man squad for the tournament."