Test centurion Jason Leonard admitted the prospect of spending a month away from his family during England's summer tour to New Zealand and Australia was the driving force behind his decision to quit international rugby.

Leonard is to exit the international arena at the end of the 2004 RBS 6 Nations championship following a glittering career which has seen him make 114 appearances for England and become the world's most capped player.

The 35-year-old prop broke Philippe Sella's record of 111 caps after featuring against France as a replacement during last November's World Cup semi-final, a remarkable achievement considering the front row is the most brutal of places to operate.

He made his Test debut in 1990 against Argentina, the first step in an epic journey which includes two World Cup finals, three British Lions tours, 54 Six Nations matches and 18 battles against the French.

But the demands of professional rugby have taken their toll on the old war-horse, forcing him to spend long periods of time away from his partner and three children - the youngest of which, Francesca Belle, was born during last year's World Cup.

''The thought of being in New Zealand and Australia for nearly a month this summer is too much,'' the Harlequins veteran said.

''It was highlighted for me by the two games in Italy and Scotland at the start of the Six Nations which meant I was only home for one night during the fortnight to see Sandra and the children.

''Any longer than two weeks starts to hurt too much in terms of missing the family. You have to be selfish as an international rugby player and you always want to do more.

"That means you miss out on things at home and that's why I know this is the right time.''

Leonard becomes the third member of England's triumphant World Cup squad to take his leave of the Test arena - he will follow Martin Johnson and Kyran Bracken into international retirement later this month.

''I have had a great career with absolutely no regrets and I am very happy with my decision to quit international rugby after the Six Nations,'' said Leonard, who has won four Grand Slams, captained England twice and score one Test try.

''You never really think the end of the line is going to arrive but it has and I am being realistic. I have had 14 years of Test rugby and have managed that length of career despite needing a major neck operation in 1992.

''The fact that Martin Johnson decided to retire after the World Cup didn't affect my decision, although I do realise there is only so much more for me to achieve.

''Jonno had been dealing with a couple of injuries over a long period of time when he announced his retirement. I knew that I was feeling as fit as ever and wanted to carry on.''

Leonard was dropped for Saturday's 19-13 defeat by Ireland but could earn a swift recall following a poor England performance which ended Sir Clive Woodward's dream of securing back to back Grand Slam titles.

Props Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman hardly covered themselves in glory and Bath youngster Matt Stevens - who replaced Leonard in the squad - may be considered too raw as England look to nudge their Six Nations campaign back on track.

The clash with Wales in ten days time could provide the setting for Leonard's final Twickenham appearance and if selected he is certain to receive a rousing reception from fans who hold the veteran World Cup winner in such high regard.

England's campaign then concludes against France in Paris a week later and Leonard is determined to regain his place.

''I didn't want to announce my decision during a Test week because it could have distracted the players and that's why I'm making my announcement today,'' he said.

''I wanted to play in the Six Nations because of the way I felt. I'm available and I want to be selected.

''I have never been happy to make up the number by sitting on the replacements bench and I hope I will be given the chance to start another international match.''