Hartley, who helped Saints to the National League One and EDF Energy National Trophy double after returning from a six-month ban for eye-gouging in the autumn, is tipped for a place in the England squad to tour New Zealand.

Regan, a central figure in England's march to the World Cup final seven months ago, won the last of his 46 caps against France in March.

He came off early in the second half of that England victory, with then head coach Brian Ashton praising him as a player others wanted on their side, but France's Marc Lievremont describing his wind-up tactics as "grotesque".

New Zealand-born Hartley, 22, is tipped to be among the hookers named in team manager Martin Johnson's squad next Tuesday.

And Regan, 36, who has another year on his Bristol contract, said: "I'm not going to retire - I did that once before. But in my own mind I know my England days are over.

"Never say never because last year I was in the same boat and I was picked to tour and stayed in the side all the way to the World Cup final.

"But I'm basically writing myself off. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with England but if I'm honest I don't want to go to New Zealand.

"I need a rest this summer. I don't know when I last had some real time off."

Hartley missed out on a possible World Cup place last year when serving his six-month ban.