Rugby Union: Ben Cohen Pulls Out of South Africa Tour and World Cup in Order to Spend Time With Family

Ben Cohen has withdrawn from England's summer tour to South Africa and made himself unavailable for the World Cup in order to spend time with his wife, Abby, who is expecting twins. Cohen, a World Cup winner in 2003, was included in Brian Ashton's 30-man squad for England's two-Test tour on Tuesday. But the Northampton winger has decided to put his international career on hold for the year.

"Ben was very pleased to hear the news that he would be touring with England but he has reflected on his selection and his current personal circumstances," explained Ashton. "His wife is expecting twins later in the year so I understand his reasons for withdrawing from the tour and from contention for the Rugby World Cup squad to spend time with her."

Cohen was a crucial contributor to England's victory in Australia four years ago but has only flickered since then, and even admitted in 2005 that he had lost some of his enthusiasm for rugby. He did not feature in this year's Six Nations tournament. However, the 29-year-old's club form this season has been impressive and it is clear that, when in the mood, he remains a powerful and penetrative ball carrier, as well as a crunching tackler; strong performances in South Africa could have pushed him back up the pecking order and into the World Cup squad, even if he would have been unlikely to start ahead of David Strettle.

Ashton will announce Cohen's replacement in the England squad next Tuesday.