By Bryn Palmer

Leonard can look back on many Twickenham victories

"We didn't have a good summer but we don't lose too many matches at Twickenham," Leonard told BBC Sport.

"We have a tremendous crowd that lifts the team and South Africa and Australia haven't won here many times recently.

"I am pretty optimistic and confident we will perform well. I would never write off England at Twickenham."

Leonard only tasted defeat eight times in 55 Tests he played at Twickenham, the last time against New Zealand back in the 1999 World Cup.

South Africa last won at Twickenham in 1997, five games into their record-equalling 17 successive Test victories.

But England brought an end to that run the following autumn, and have won their last four home games against the Springboks, and their last five meetings in all.

Running is not particularly my forte Jason Leonard

Similarly, Australia prevailed 12-11 at Twickenham in 1998, but have subsequently lost on their last three visits.

England had won five in a row against the Wallabies - including the World Cup final - until their 50-point hiding in Brisbane in June.

Leonard, who retired earlier this year with a world record 114 caps, could have been assisting new coach Andy Robinson mould England's pack into shape.

But despite an offer to join the red rose coaching staff from Robinson's predecessor Sir Clive Woodward, Leonard is content to enjoy life away from rugby for the forseeable future.

"I am not a snap decision-maker as such, and as much as I loved my 16 years playing rugby, I am not going to jump back in with the first thing that is offered to me," he added.

"I have obviously got a wealth of experience that I would like to pass on to others at some stage.

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"But I don't really need it at this moment in my life. I am so busy with other things and am enjoying spending time with my family."

What with working for a recruitment company in the building sector, picking up his OBE from the Queen and launching a new video, the demands on Leonard's time remain great.

On Thursday he was providing a few motivational words of advice to runners training for next month's Run London 10km race.

"Running is not particularly my forte," he admits, "although I might have a look at doing the race next year.

"But it's like anything else, it's not how fast you do it but the enjoyment that matters."