Barwell added: "At least Matt will be able to come and watch a decent side on Saturday now!"

Dawson played in 246 games for the Saints in a 13-year career that started with a game against Harrogate in the 1991/92 season. He scored 66 tries for the club and kicked 79 penalties, 64 conversions and one drop-goal to amass a points tally of 693. He signed to London Wasps at the end of the 2003/04 season after celebrating his testimonial career with the club.

Dawson played in 77 tests for England and went on three Lions tours - one under the leadership of former Saints director of rugby and his current boss at Wasps, Ian McGeechan.

McGeechan said: "He has been a huge part of English rugby for the past decade. One of the big characters in rugby is leaving the game.

"Matt has played in some of rugby's great team performances and great occasions in recent years, at club level and with England and the Lions.

"I've known him for 12 years, and there has always been something special about him from the beginning. It has been fitting to see all that talent come to fruition since then. Despite some serious injuries, Matt's potential has been fulfilled. He can leave the game with a lot of satisfaction from his huge contribution to England and Lions' rugby."

Saints' head coach Paul Grayson made his England debut alongside his former team-mate against Samoa in 1995 and the pair collected World Cup winners' medals together in 2003.

He said today: "Matt's stature in the game is unparalleled. He has 77 caps, been a European cup medal winner, even if he did not play in the final, won the league, won the World Cup and had a place on three Lions tours. Daws has played a significant part in every single one of these acievements.

"Daws is a good friend of mine and has been for many years. He is also godfather to my first son James. And I am glad to see he had been able to choose his time to retire because that privilege does not come to all players. I totally respect his decision and I look forward to seeing him on the golf course!"