France-bound David Strettle pulls out of England's World Cup squad

The 31-year-old, who won the Premiership title with Saracens last month, has signed a three-year deal with the French side and said he wanted to concentrate on his new club challenge.

"The opportunity to join Clermont and the subsequent decision to leave Saracens obviously was difficult and not one I have taken lightly," Strettle, who has played 14 times for England, 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 and the rest of the squad before that started."

Lancaster said Strettle's decision was "disappointing" and said Bath Rugby's Semesa Rokoduguni has been called up.

Strettle's move to Clermont prevents him from being considered for England under RFU rules which state that Lancaster can only select overseas-based players in "exceptional circumstances", such as an extreme injury list.

Lancaster said: "Clearly a lot has been going on with David recently with the late interest from Clermont and his decision to leave Saracens," he said.

"After visiting France recently and discussing it with his family he has made the decision to move early to get settled before the season in France starts.

"Obviously it is disappointing but David and I have chatted and he feels that, having made the move, he wants to get on with forging his new career and we both agreed it was the best course of action for him to withdraw from the squad."