Paul Sackey made his England debut against New Zealand in November 2006 when he was called up to replace the injured Mark Cueto. He went on to score a try in his second appearance against Argentina the following week.

He has represented England U21s and Sevens and made his England A debut against Ireland at Northampton in 2002. He was selected for a third consecutive Churchill Cup in 2006 but had to withdraw with a toe injury. The following year he was part of the England Saxons team that defeated New Zealand Maori to win the 2007 edition of the tournament.

He was selected as part of England's squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup and went on to be the team's top try scorer with four, including his diving catch of Jonny Wilkinson's cross-field kick against Tonga. Sackey maintained his prolific record, scoring three tries during the 2008 Six Nations.

He touched down against Italy, courtesy of a Jonny Wilkinson chip kick, and the winger gave his team an early lead at Stade de France before once again becoming the first name on the scoresheet in England's 33-10 victory over Ireland at Twickenham.

Sackey suffered a knee injury in winning the Premiership title with Wasps the day before England flew out to New Zealand in the summer of 2008 but he marked his return by grabbing a brace in their 39-13 victory over the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham during the autumn internationals. He finished 2008 with a career record of 10 tries from 19 internationals.

He retained his place in the England Elite Squad for the 2009 Six Nations but was struck down by a calf injury that ended his Championship. More injury woe followed in April that year when he broke his leg just 10 minutes into a comeback game which ended his hopes of touring with the British & Irish Lions. He battled back to claim a place in the England Saxons squad but failed to claim a place in Martin Johnson's plans for the 2010 Six Nations.

He is one of a host of leading players to have worked with sprint coach Margot Wells, wife of the former Olympic 100 metres champion Allan, and credits her for for making him sharper player.

In August 2000 he joined London Irish from Bedford and sandwiched two spells at the Exiles with a season at London Wasps (03-04) before again joining Wasps in February 2005. He has since shared in their rich run of success including Premiership and Heineken Cup successes.

In February 2010, Sackey announced that he would be leaving Wasps to take up a lucrative contract with French Top 14 side Toulon, intent on forcing his way back into Johnson's thinking by nailing down a regular place in a star-studded back-line which is orchestrated by former international colleague Wilkinson.