Iestyn Harris today sensationally quit international rugby, saying: "It's best for me and the Bulls."

The star stand-off has retired from the Great Britain scene aged just 29.

Harris's decision will shock the rugby league world and especially Britain boss Brian Noble, who named the Bulls skipper in his latest squad only last Wednesday.

"I've been thinking about it for about six weeks now, looked at the 450 games I've played over my career, the fact I'm turning 30 next month and really had to decide what my priority was," Harris explained.

"That is to play well for Bulls for the next three to four years and I felt to be able to do that to a high quality, week in, week out, something had to give. I decided playing for GB had to go."

Harris was in the 36-man squad picked for the one-off Test against New Zealand on June 27 and set to be an integral member of the tour party Down Under for the Tri-Nations series this autumn.

But he revealed: "I didn't realise the squad was going to be announced this quickly. Once it was I realised I had to make this decision pretty fast there's a training session today and I left Brian Noble a message on his phone about my reasons."

Harris has won 15 caps after making his Britain debut against Papua New Guinea in 1996.

He spent three years playing international rugby union for Wales before returning to league with Bradford in 2004, reclaiming the six jersey for the last two Tri-Nations.

He added: "I've enjoyed my time with Great Britain and have been very proud to play for them but now is the right time for me to retire."

Harris who may still appear for Wales in the 2008 World Cup hasn't had any lengthy break from rugby for six years and feels the chance to recharge his batteries this winter will spell good news for the Bulls.

"It would have taken its toll," said Harris.

"I've been lucky enough to have missed only one game for Bradford. I want to keep that consistency while getting the quality higher.

"I've enjoyed it here more than anywhere and want to retire at Bradford but my main aim first is to win things, as many trophies as possible, and that's the reason why I'm retiring from international rugby."