The 31-year-old, who also won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London, has said he made the decision after being unable to fit in a full training programme in preparation for the Games.

"Withdrawing from Team England is not a decision that's been easy for me to make," he said.

"However, in previous years I've attended major championships without a good training block behind me and my performance has suffered as a result.

"I really would have loved to have been involved with the team.

"The Commonwealth Games have been brilliant over the years for me and my two medals from three Games have been highlights for me.

"I am planning on easing myself back into competition, possibly indoors, and then building to the summer season.

"I want to wish the team all the very best out in Australia."

Rutherford won his first Commonwealth Games medal in 2010 when he claimed long jump silver in Delhi, India.

He then added gold in Glasgow four years later, with his medal collection also including World Championship and European Championship gold.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games are taking place from April 4 to 15.

Jacob Paul has now been selected for England in the 400 metres hurdles.