When you're obsessive, like me, searching for something unattainable can become unhealthy ... it's like falling through the air and grabbing at the clouds.

I wouldn't go in a fast food outlet even to use the toilet.

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.

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

I'm pretty aware that the pursuit of perfection is, inherently, a flawed concept.

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