I would like to wish the England squad every success. I would also very much like to extend those wishes to Martin Johnson, Brian Smith, Mike Ford, John Wells, Graham Rowntree and the rest of the England 2011 World Cup management team who have been fantastic and deserve people to know that.

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

I want to be more than just some guy who played in a World Cup final.

To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other setbacks gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment. I know myself well enough to know that I will never truly be satisfied.

I like to think I play rugby as it should be played - there are no yellow or red cards in my collection - but I cannot say I'm an angel.

What I am proud of is I have searched for the best of me and I have been a team man without fail.

My own position is so far on the obsessive side of preparation and professionalism that I fear my point of view is not going to be shared by anyone.