Childhood to Pro

The journey’s been interesting to say the least. World Cups, injuries, triumphs, despair.

I started playing at fullback from an early age before trying my hand at fly-half. I used to love being the last line in defence. It appealed to my nature – that one-on-one challenge.

However the change to fly-half has provided me with plenty more to think about. I have a love / hate relationship with the responsibility, but I’d like to think that the transition has been relatively successful.

I used to write a lot as a youngster - around the age of 7. I was obsessed with what I wanted to do with my life. I don’t know if others did a similar thing, but I felt that I needed to write down what I wanted to achieve, and in some way believed this was the best way to ensure it happened. Without really knowing it, I guess it was creating positive reinforcement. 

I moved at 18 from Surrey to Newcastle when I signed for the Falcons. It was important to have family support at this time, and I’m grateful that they eventually moved up with me. Sparks even joined the Falcons in later years both as a player and conditioning coach. It was great to share the experiences with him. We’ve always been close and continue to be so, despite the distance between Newcastle and Toulon. 

I’m extremely happy to now be in Toulon. It’s a great club, and the new challenge has really captured my imagination.