The 34-year-old tighthead prop has spoken to national head coach Brian Ashton and told him of his decision not to pursue selection for England's squad for the tournament in France this autumn. Ashton announced the decision at an England press conference this afternoon.
With training camps through the summer, three warm-up games in August and then up to seven weeks at the World Cup tournament in France, White says he cannot commit himself to being away from a young family and his farming commitments for such a long period of time.
A World Cup winner with England in 2003, White said: "It has been a very difficult decision for me to make but, having discussed it with my family and with England head coach Brian Ashton, I have decided not to make myself available for selection for the Rugby World Cup this year.
"I have a young family and I also have a farm to manage, and I feel I cannot commit to the length of time the squad will be away from home at this time.
"I wish Brian and all of the England squad the very best for the World Cup."
White, who has 44 caps for England and three with the British & Irish Lions, said he has not ruled out the prospect of playing international rugby in the future.
Tigers still have six players in World Cup training with England, led by club skipper Martin Corry. He is joined by George Chuter, Louis Deacon, Ben Kay, Lewis Moody and Dan Hipkiss as England continue their build-up to the defence of their trophy.
