British and Irish Lions

The Cammi Calvisano player was excluded from Pierre Berbizier's selection for the World Cup in France 2007.

"It has been a very difficult decision," admitted Scanavacca.

"But considering what has happened recently with the national team, I have lost a lot of enthusiasm to continue playing."

The 33-year-old, who made his national-team debut back in 1999, was surprised to have been left out of the Italy squad after his performances at the Six Nations tournament earlier this year.

Scanavacca played a big part as the Azzurri ensured their most successful campaign since joining the Six Nations in 2000.

He racked up 22 points at Murrayfield in the 37-17 triumph, which marked Italy's first-ever away victory in the tournament.

Scanavacca, who joined Calvisano last summer after 15 years with Rovigo, holds the record of most points scored (3212) in the Italian league.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

The British & Irish Lions will dust themselves down after losing their unbeaten record to the Brumbies and be back at work in a positive frame of mind from Wednesday, according to 2009 Test full back Rob Kearney.

With Tuesday's trip to Canberra next on the agenda for The British & Irish Lions, we take a look back at their last clash with the Brumbies, a match that went right down to the wire.