SOMERSET rugby star Danielle 'Nolli' Waterman has today announced her retirement from international duty, after 82 caps and 47 tries for England.

The 33-year-old from Minehead is sixth on the Red Roses' all-time appearances list, and her try-scoring exploits put her near the top of the tree in that ranking as well.

When she made her debut, aged just 18, in 2003, she became the youngest player to represent England.

Since then she has played in four Rugby World Cups - helping the Red Roses lift the trophy in 2014 - and represented Team GB in the rugby sevens event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Waterman said: "It has been an incredible journey and a true honour to be a Red Rose for the past 15 years.

"It's been a huge privilege to have not only played alongside and against some of the best players in the world, but to have been part of the huge development and progression of women's international rugby.

"I have made life-long friends through playing for my country, and the time spent with my team-mates through the highs and the lows are the moments I will miss the most."

England Women head coach Simon Middleton added: "What I would say about Nolli is she is the ultimate England player.

"When you put an England shirt on you’ve got to play with everything you’ve got.

"She’s incredibly skilful, incredibly athletic but more than anything she’s probably the bravest player I’ve ever seen on a rugby field.

"It’s been a pleasure working with her.

"She’s been an absolute inspiration to coach and she’s an inspiration for anybody that’s watched her play.

"She’s what an England player should be."

Waterman will, nevertheless, carry on playing club rugby for Wasps Ladies next season, in the Tyrrells Premier 15s league.