News just broke on Gareth Ellis' retirement from International Rugby with immediate effect. Big loss to England, always rated him as a quality player

No doubt about it, a quality player who was up their with the best for a period of time. As far as this years World Cup goes, I disagree and dont think it is a great loss for England. His performances have been poor and whilst his form has improved as the season progressed we have much better options available to us.

Agreed. If he didn't have Ellis on the back if his shirt then I don't think anyone would have him in their England squad (I'm form)

Would like to see Kirmond given a shot by McNamara has already says that any he isn't.

Agreed.I think he has gone well enough this year, although he was awful (as well as rest of team) in his last game. He would have done a job for us again im sure but we do have plenty of backrow options, i dont think he is the force he was a couple of years ago and this is probably a good decision on his part to prolong his career for another couple of years.

very surprised by this, unless McNamara's told him he's not going to be in the starting 17.

He was borderline in most people minds for a spot in the 17 anyway I'd guess. I've always thought he was slightly overrated but you don't do as well as he did in Oz without being a good player and he's well respected. I'm not sure he ever quite took his club form on to the international stage.

We're still well stocked. If O'Loughlin is fit I'd start with S Burgess in the second row alongside Westwood with Ferres or Hock on the bench. If he isn't then Burgess at loose with Ferres alongside Westwood and Hock or Kirmond on the bench.

I say all that when in reality this has probably nailed down Jon Wilkins starting spot!

Wise decision.

He's been crocked for last two seasons and finished at international level for longer than that.

Should have retired (along with many others) from international RL after the RLWC debacle in 2008.

rlFrom the BBC websiterl

Im in agreement with his retirment but if it means JJB or Wilkin get in the 17 now i would rather still have Ellis in there.

Hopefully it means the likes of Farrell,Kirmond or Ferres get a chance they have earnt through performance on rather than going back to players bearing scars of failure.

Adrian Morley and JJB to retire from International Rugby next

That's two more 2008 world cup embarrassments you've alluded to right there. They shouldn't be anywhere near selection for the 2013 squad. We really need to move on from all those players who couldn't handle it in 2008.


Quite.

Not with a Radford lead hull fc you won't.

Ablett should be a starter.

Very clear from this that Ellis was told he was not in the England’s plans for the World Cup and he has been given a chance to bow out of International rugby (seemingly) on his own terms. Whether you agree with his exclusion from the squad or not, this has been well managed by the England management

I know he has had his injury problems this year but he hasn't really done a lot to warrant a place in the England side.