Joe Marler has withdrawn himself from England's plans for next week's match against Wales and the three-Test tour of Australia.
The Rugby Football Union announced Marler's withdrawal, and the Harlequins prop said he needed "a short rest" from the game.
England head coach Eddie Jones said: "Joe played brilliantly during the RBS 6 Nations and he will be a big loss in Australia.
"Joe knows better than anyone what it takes to be part of a winning international team and he obviously doesn't feel like he's quite there at the moment. We fully support Joe's difficult decision and admire his honesty."
Marler has experienced a tough few months in which he has been banned for abusing Wales prop Samson Lee, whom he called 'gypsy boy' during the teams' Six Nations clash, and then for kicking Grenoble hooker Arnaud Heguy in the head.
England tackle Wales on May 29 in a pre-tour clash at Twickenham. They then face Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
The RFU said Marler would have been in the England squad for the trip Down Under, and Jones is confident the 25-year-old will benefit from a summer at home.
The decision to skip the tour looks unlikely to affect his England prospects.
Jones said: "He's a young man with a very bright future. There's no doubt in my mind he'll use this time wisely and come back feeling refreshed and ready to be part of England again."
Marler spoke to Jones at England's training base in Brighton about his decision to swerve the Wallabies series.
He told Jones it would be to England's benefit if he stayed away.
Explaining the reasoning behind his unwillingness to tour, Marler said: "It has been a very enjoyable but sometimes difficult season.
"After speaking to Eddie in Brighton I have decided that the best thing for me is to take a rest and not go to Australia. Whenever you play for England you have to be 100 per cent and unfortunately I'm not in that place at the moment.
"It's not a decision I've come to lightly, but I feel I would be letting my team-mates and my country down if I were to tour.
"I think a short rest will really help me recharge my batteries so I can start next season with the energy and focus that's needed to perform at the highest level.
"I wish my team-mates the very best in Australia in what is a hugely exciting and challenging series for England."
Marler has turned to Jeremy Snape, the former England cricketer turned sports psychologist, for help in managing his temper.
Harlequins' departing boss Conor O'Shea last week told Marler to keep playing "on the edge" despite the problems he has faced this season.
