On this day in 2012: England captain Jamie Peacock ends international career

Peacock won 21 England caps and a further 26 for Great Britain.

Published Jun 26

England captain Jamie Peacock announced his retirement from international rugby league on this day in 2012.

The 34-year-old Leeds prop decided to call time on his 12-year career on the international stage, although he said he would play on with Leeds, having signed a new two-year contract taking him to the end of 2014.

Peacock made his England debut against Russia in the 2000 World Cup and led England for the last time in their 18-10 win over the Exiles in June 2012.

Great Britain’s Jamie Peacock is tackled by Australia’s Darren Lockyer during a Test match at Wigan — Peacock won 21 England caps and a further 26 for Great Britain (Gareth Copley/PA)

“To play and captain your country is the highest honour within the game and this was a decision that was not taken lightly.

“In 2000, when I made my debut, it was beyond my wildest ambition and dreams that I would then go on to represent my country nearly 50 times and captain them for seven years.

Jamie Peacock applauds Leeds Rhinos fans Super League – Semi Final – Leeds Rhinos v St Helens – Headingley Carnegie — Jamie Peacock acknowledges the crowd in his final home appearance for the Leeds Rhinos after the First Utility Super League semi-final at Headingley (Richard Sellers/PA)

Peacock retired from all rugby league at the end of the 2015 season after helping Leeds Rhinos win the treble and joined Hull KR as football manager for the 2016 Super League campaign.

He came out of retirement to play the last four games but could not prevent relegation to the Championship.