While at Tonbridge School in Kent in 1997, he appeared with the then unknown Jonny Wilkinson playing for England Schools. When making his choice of university, he was invited to Newcastle to see the Academy set-up and opted to join, studying Business Development at Newcastle University. He changed to Northumbria University where he completed his Masters degree in sport management in 2004. Playing for Northumbria University, he was in their winning team at Twickenham for the British University title.

His move to the North East was helped along by the presence of Wilkinson, also from the deep south. "I knew Jonny well, we'd played together for the South East regional team and England Schools and when I came up to Newcastle to have a look round Jonny met me. It was great to see a familiar face. Now, of course, I love Tyneside and I'm completely settled. I could easily stay in the area for the rest of my life."

He has experience of international games from an early age representing England u18s, and has played for the England "A" team, most recently being chosen for the May 2004 Barbarians game. He has also played in the Falcons Academy New Zealand tours.