There is no denying the amount of young talent that was on show at Rugby World Cup 2011. And while we can no doubt look forward to the likes of David Pocock and Toby Faletau playing even better in 2015, there are many stars of the global Game who have seemingly taken part in their last Rugby World Cup match.

Here are some of the top players who will almost certainly find the tournament in England might be a step too far for them.

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL (Ireland)
One of the most exciting players in world rugby over the last decade and arguably Ireland’s greatest ever player, the Six Nations record try-scorer has already said he plans to pack it all in following the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2013.

SHANE WILLIAMS (Wales)
His record says it all – 57 tries in 86 matches puts him third on international rugby’s all-time try scoring list. Expect a hero’s welcome (and send-off) when he plays his final Wales match against Australia this weekend at the Millennium Stadium.

VICTOR MATFIELD (South Africa)
He may have been the absolute master of the lineout, but South Africa’s second most capped player with 110 Tests – one shy of John Smit – was an awful lot more than that. Retired straight after the Springboks’ RWC 2011 campaign, meaning South Africa’s pack will never quite be the same.

JAMES ARLIDGE (Japan)
With his two-try performance against France at Rugby World Cup 2011, the New Zealand-born fly half played a major role in Japanese performances that suggested they will be a force to reckoned with in 2015 – even if at 32 now, Arlidge likely won’t be there.

PAUL EMERICK (USA)
The outside centre was a huge part of a massively encouraging American effort at RWC 2011. He’ll be 35 in 2015, so might not make the trip, but if the US Eagles continues their progress in England, Emerick will have played his part.

JONNY WILKINSON (England)
His famous left boot saw England lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003 and got them to the Final in 2007. But although no-one takes better care of themselves, the fly half will be 36 when RWC 2015 comes round.

CHRIS PATERSON (Scotland)
Scotland’s talisman seems to have been around forever, and at a sprightly 33, will be around for a while yet. But we’re unlikely to see one of the world’s greatest kickers still in action in 2015.

FELIPE CONTEPOMI (Argentina)
Even at 34, the Argentina captain still conducted matters on the pitch so well that if it hadn’t been for his damaged ribs, he might have led them to a famous victory over England. Don’t be surprised to see him on the Pumas’ coaching team in 2015.

KEVEN MEALAMU (New Zealand)
After Mils Muliaina and Richie McCaw reached their century of caps for the All Blacks at RWC 2011, the Kiwi hooker – who drew level with Sean Fitzpatrick on 92 caps in the Final – will be looking to reach his 100 too. He should make it a long time before 2015.

MAURO BERGAMASCO (Italy)
The older of the Bergamasco brothers has done his bit for his country – remember him playing scrum half against England in 2009? But with his injuries adding up, sadly, we’ve probably seen the last of him on the Rugby World Cup stage.

NICOLAS MAS (France)
It’s no surprise that the French side which struggled so badly through the pool stages of RWC 2011 only started turning it on once their top prop was fit for the knockout stages. With Mas already 31, they’ll soon have to figure out a way to win without him.