ROB Howley will bring his international career for Wales to an end in the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship match against Scotland in Cardiff.

The 31-year-old, who has had his ups and downs in the Welsh jersey, wants more time to spend with his family - and the Cardiff scrum-half is also dogged by a long-standing knee problem.

He said: "There's never a good time to make a decision like this, but I felt that the time is right.

"My wife is expecting our second child this week and obviously my family commitments will increase after that.

"I had already decided not to tour with Wales to South Africa in the summer and, having chosen to go down that route, I felt it was right to step down altogether.

"My knee is still causing me problems and combining club rugby with international rugby commitments makes it tougher all the time."

Howley has so far won 58 caps and was captain of Wales under Kevin Bowring, but lost his place entirely following the 1999 World Cup.

However he enjoyed a return to form in club rugby with Cardiff and was part of the Lions squad which toured Australia last summer.