WORCESTER Rugby Club’s World Cup heroine Katherine Merchant has announced her retirement from international rugby.
Merchant starred in the World Cup final last month, when England beat Canada 21-9 to lift the trophy for the second time, having previously won the tournament in 1994.
The 28-year-old winger is among three England players - Margaret Alphonsi and Joanna McGilchrist are the others – who have called time on their international careers.
Merchant is retiring on medical advice after sustaining a number of concussions.
The 58-cap winger, who made her debut in 2005 and scored 44 tries, said: "While it is very disappointing to have to retire, I am hugely proud to be part of our World Championship-winning team and feel I have achieved what others never will.”
She added: "I very much plan to stay involved in rugby as it is a sport I love. It is a sport that has given me so much and now I have the opportunity to give something back."
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