I do, have done and always will believe that I am very capable of performing and thriving at any level of the sport.

Failing at something is one thing, but Buddhism tells us that it is up to us how we interpret that failure [Buddhism] a philosophy and way of life that resonates with me I identify with it. I agree with so much of the sentiment behind it. I enjoy the liberating effect it's had on me to get back into the game Buddhism, with its concepts of karma and rebirth, have freed me from the twin fears of death and life without rugby, like life, will also come to an end.

I play with a fear of letting my team down. That's what motivates me.

I don't like kicking the ball a lot.

We need to ask ourselves what are we here for and what have we worked so hard to be here for.

I know that Martin Johnson [the England coach] was in the stands, but I didn't feel it was up to me to impress them. He and his assistant [Brian Smith] were here to support me.

The conversation topic in my head is not what role I should play; it is whether I am going to play at all.