Cohen out of South Africa tour and World Cup

Cohen, a World Cup winner in 2003, was included in Brian Ashton's 30-man squad for England's two-Test tour on Tuesday.

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But the Northampton winger has decided to put his international career on hold for the year.

Ashton said: "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.

"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."

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

Gloucester full-back Iain Balshaw was the obvious omission from Ashton's original squad and could now be promoted from the England Saxons.

Cohen, 28, has scored 31 tries in 57 caps for England but his international career has stuttered since the World Cup triumph four years ago.

He was overlooked for the 2005 Lions tour and withdrew from the reserve list to take a summer off having fallen out of love with the game.

Cohen refound his form with Northampton and started all four November Tests this season, scoring against New Zealand to join Will Greenwood in second place on England's list of leading tryscorers.

But he was overlooked when Ashton replaced Andy Robinson in charge for the Six Nations and there must now be doubts whether he will don the red rose again.

Cohen will certainly find it harder to break back into the England fold for the 2008 RBS 6 Nations, given he will be playing in National League One next season with relegated Northampton.

And there is also fresh competition with Harlequins David Strettle making such an immediate impression during the Six Nations, Josh Lewsey now being considered solely as a winger and the likes of Olly Morgan bolstering England's back three options.