David Strettle has stressed that his decision to pull out of England's Rugby World Cup squad was one that took much deliberation.
The 31-year-old, who won the Aviva Premiership title with Saracens last season, made the decision to withdraw from the 50-man group after agreeing to join Clermont Auvergne.
Fourteen-cap Strettle will now focus on settling into his new French surroundings ahead of next season, while Bath Rugby's Semesa Rokoduguni will take his place in the Red Rose fold.
"The opportunity to join Clermont and the subsequent decision to leave Saracens obviously was difficult and not one I have taken lightly," he said in a statement.
"Having now committed to a three-year move at what I feel is the right time in my career and for my family, I would like to begin that challenge right away. With the England training camp beginning this week, I wanted to be fair to Stuart [Lancaster] and the rest of the squad before that started.
"It goes without saying that I wish England the very best for the tournament and I will be supporting them all the way. I am extremely proud to have represented England and will look fondly back on the 14 caps I have won for my country since 2007."
Strettle spent five years at Saracens upon joining from Harlequins.
