Try different sports

I've played sport ever since I can remember! I had sporty parents and I've always loved sport of all descriptions. I didn't really start playing rugby until I was 11-years-old, but before that I played a lot of football, watched athletics and that sort of thing. I think when you're young it's particularly good to experience everything in sport. You learn other skills and athletically it develops you as well.

I've always loved being involved with sport, but rugby was the only one that I was any good at to a national or international level. I've always enjoyed playing other sports even alongside my rugby, just as an enjoyment and leisure activity, so it's always been a big part of my life.

Keep active

When I was 11, 12 and 13-years-old I didn't particularly train I just played a lot of sport and kept fit, active and agile.

I was an amateur player until I was 26, so I had a job and played rugby at an amateur level on a part-time basis. I was fortunate to be a professional for about 9 years, I've retired now so I have to go back into the real world but I'll continue to play sport and enjoy it.

I'm looking forward to playing 5-a-side football again now that I've finished playing rugby. Maybe I'll get into squash or play a bit of golf.

Bounce back

I think losing the series in 2001 was a big regret, that lives with you a little bit, but then I was very lucky that we won the series in 1997. We won the World Cup in 2003, and also on the club scene winning the Heineken Cup and winning the league four years on the trot.

I've been very lucky in that I've played for very good teams. Losing is part of sport as well though. England have lost some big games, Leicester have lost some big games, it's part of the experience as well. Being able to bounce back from those disappointments is when you find out about yourself, and other people, and what you're about.

Work and Play

Two or three months after we went professional you just thought: "How on earth did we work and then train as well?" The majority of sports people in this country are amateurs, they don't get paid for what they do and they have to fit it in around earning a living.

We enjoyed it so it wasn't a sacrifice to go to work in the morning, then after work go training, and most nights not get home until 9:30-10:00pm.

It's what you love, so it's what you did and you didn't mind doing it. It was all voluntary, so if you didn't want to do it, you didn't have to.

Something for everyone

You've got to have a passion for what you do. I think there is a sport out there for everyone, some people think 'Oh I'm not sporty,' but I think there is something there for you.

You don't have to compete at a high level, or even aim to compete sometimes. If that's what you want to do fine. With my rugby that's what I wanted to do, I wanted to be the best player that I could possibly be.

If I go and play cricket I just go to play it and to enjoy it, ok I'm competitive, but it is just good fun. There is a sport out there for everyone and a level of competition that you can enjoy.

If it's just social or you really want to work hard at it, then that's your decision. That comes from you, no one can make you work that hard, and you've got to love it and want to make that sacrifice.

Be adventurous

I went to New Zealand when I was 19 for 18 months which was great. Not only was it a good rugby environment but seeing another part of the world, another life and a different culture all broadens your horizons.

Determination is the name of the game

It wasn't a conscious goal that I wanted to be an international rugby player, but once I started taking the steps and making the progression, I thought to myself, 'I can do this; there is no reason why I can't achieve this if I work hard'.

I was very lucky as I got a lot of breaks early on in my career, but I think I worked hard enough to take them as well. Once I'd been given an opportunity I took it, so it's really up to you.

Goal setting is about determination and, even though there will always be disappointments along the way, if you really want something badly enough and you work hard enough, then that's the best chance you've got of getting it.