Tuesday 1 May 2018 17:56, UK
England full-back Danielle Waterman has announced her retirement from international rugby.
The 33-year-old will continue to play for Wasps Ladies FC in the Tyrrells Premiers 15s but has called a halt to her Test career after picking up 82 caps and scoring a record 47 tries.
Waterman became England's youngest ever player at the time when she made her international debut at the age of 18 against Ireland in 2003 and went on to feature in four World Cups, scoring a try in the victory over Canada in the 2014 final.
She was also a member of the Team GB Sevens squad in the 2016 Rio Olympics and has previously played for Team Northumbria, Henley, Worcester and Bristol.
Waterman told Sky Sports News: "To have the opportunity to make the choice to leave at the top of your game is a real honour.
"I've had a fantastic year this year and I'm leaving with a big smile on my face.
"Winning the World Cup was a dream come true but there have been so many memories.
"It is one of the best bits about retirement, I have started to look through the photos and all of the players that I have played alongside, all of the friendships I've made and the places I've been around the world."
Waterman became England's all-time record try scorer, overtaking Sue Day, when she scored her 47th international try in the Six Nations victory over Ireland in Coventry in March.
She said: "The Six Nations was a fantastic opportunity to play with such a new-look side and I even got to have a little run-out on the wing which I haven't done for a few years.
"So to score the try at the Ricoh Arena in front of a record crowd was something that was very special to me."
Looking to the future, Waterman added: "I'm definitely looking to stay within the game, whether it be through coaching or through the media. "I've got so much from the sport and I'd love to give back. I, in particular, like working with the younger players."
Meanwhile, England Women head coach Simon Middleton has paid tribute to Waterman.
He told England Rugby: "What I would say about Nolli is she is the ultimate England player.
"When you put an England shirt on you have got to play with everything you've got. She is incredibly skilful, incredibly athletic but more than anything she is probably the bravest player I have ever seen on a rugby field.
"Some of the tackles she has made and some of the tries she has scored will live forever in my memory as a coach. It has been a pleasure working with her. She has been an absolute inspiration to coach and she's an inspiration for anybody that has watched her play. She is what an England player should be."
