"End of an era" - 5 players who will retire after the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Each of these players are centurions for their countries, and are likely to hang up their boots following this year's showpiece in France.

Living legends with decorated careers, here are five players expected to retire from international duty, and who is expec

At 33 years of age, Biggar has chosen to unveil his retirement plans exclusively through his forthcoming column in the Mail on Sunday. However, he remains committed to donning the Welsh jersey for one last hurrah on the grand stage, set for the imminent World Cup under the leadership of Warren Gatland.

The impending World Cup holds immense significance for Wales, as they find themselves pitted against formidable adversaries in the form of Australia, Georgia, Fiji, and Portugal within their group. The path to progression appears rugged, particularly in the aftermath of Fiji's historic upset over England at the iconic Twickenham Stadium last Saturday.

A departure from the strategies of stalwarts like Alun Wyn Jones and Rhys Webb, who chose to step aside prior to Wales' World Cup build-up, Biggar's resolute focus will revolve around his contributions to Club Toulon post the conclusion of the global tournament.

Of noteworthy mention is the fact that his Toulon journey will intertwine with that of Jones, the Welsh icon who recently embarked on his French rugby stint subsequent to his switch from the Ospreys this summer.

rugby after the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

In the aftermath of the match against Wales, Marler offered an apology to a fan who sought his jersey.

He remarked, "I apologise, but I can't give it to you. This will be my last one."

This indicates that it would likely be his final start for England at Twickenham

Having previously retired from international rugby on two occasions, Marler had previously dropped hints that the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup would mark his final foray into the sport at this level.

Adding a humorous twist, Marler, who playfully labeled the young fan a 'cheeky git' for requesting his boots, ended up gifting the disappointed supporter his shorts.

England's all-time appearance holder is set to call time on his international career following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. A leading man in Steve Borthwick's new England squad, Youngs has been mainstay at scrum half for his country, despite making his England debut on the wing, replacing Ugo Monye in 2010.

Youngs outlasted the likes of Danny Care, Willi Heinz and Ben Spencer in solidifying his spot as England's 'number nine', and expectations are that he will step away following one last crack at the Rugby World Cup.

Racking up 117 caps, Youngs now feels older than his namesake, and is looking to the future of England's scrum half jersey alongside Head Coach Steve Borthwick. Leicester Tigers teammate Jack van Poortvliet is prospering under the guidance of Ben Youngs, and has begun to thrive on the international stage.

At 34-years-old the clock had begun ticking for Aaron Smith, however the sands of time may be falling faster, after the All Blacks scrum half announced his upcoming move to Japan. After eleven years playing for his beloved Highlanders, Aaron Smith announced that he will be joining Beauden Barrett at Toyota Verblitz in the Japan One league.

Barrett only signed for one season, yet Smith will leave New Zealand on an undisclosed yet 'long-term deal'. The expectations are that he'll be seeing out his playing days in Japan, yet a return should never be written-off. Despite achieving 113 caps for the All Blacks, Smith's journey to keep the nine jersey has not been at all straightforward. Taking over in 2012 for the veteran Piri Weepu, the Highlander has had to compete with the vicious competition of TJ Perenara the entire time.

A six time winner of The Rugby Championship, and a Rugby World Cup winners medal in 2015, Aaron Smith has won all that he can with his country. His only shot at the British & Irish Lions in 2017, ended in the controversial "accidental offside" fiasco, and eventual draw. Finishing on top of the rugby world would be the dream send-off for the scrum half, with the likes of Finlay Christie of the Auckland Blues set to take the reigns into the future.

Despite Johnny Sexton aging like a fine wine in an Ireland jersey, he is undoubtedly approaching the twilight of his career. Sexton is still able to light up a game with match-winning moments, and presented Leinster and Ireland fans that he still match fit, with pace to burn. What better way could the 37-year-old wrap up his career for his country, than leading the way to Ireland's first ever Rugby World Cup.

The number one ranked side in the world, Ireland are putting on performances which match up to the moniker. Their second round win over France, in Round 2 of this years Six Nations only strengthened their status as favourites to be World Champions come October.

With 111 Ireland caps, and 1034 points and c