Playing the game, representing the team, giving my all and never letting go has meant everything to me.

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

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.

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.

I refuse to go into a fast-food outlet - to use the toilet even - in case anyone got the wrong idea and thought I was sneaking in a quick burger.

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