Ashton said: From a purely selfish point of view, I am really disappointed that Martin Corry will no longer be featuring in a white shirt with a red rose because I know, as many others do, that he has worn it with pride and dignity for many years.
He has been an outstanding member of the England rugby team both on and off the field over a long period of time and his contribution will be sorely missed.
Martin has captained England on a number of occasions, often in difficult circumstances, and he has always led the side from the front in his own inimitable fashion.
I wish him all the best for the rest of this season as captain of Leicester Tigers.
RFU president Bob Taylor added: Martin has served his country impeccably for the past decade and his contribution over those 64 internationals cannot be underestimated.
Not only has he been an outstanding player and captain, but a respected ambassador for English rugby.
RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: I was very sad when I heard that Martin was retiring from the international game. He has been an outstanding player and captain for England through some very successful but also very difficult times with the national team, but his commitment to the England cause has always been absolute.
Martin epitomises everything that is good about the game, on and off the pitch, and I would like to wish him every success for the remainder of his club career.
