For me now, I will continue to focus ever harder on my goal of being the very best I can be with Toulon Rugby Club and continue to embrace and enjoy wherever that path takes me.

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

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

Right through to the end of the last World Cup game, I still couldn't bear the thought of not being perfect or letting people down.

I took a job at a white-shoe NYC law firm, with an office, business cards, and a fat starter paycheck.

I left with nothing and needing to begin a new career.

During my past career as a journalist, I relished writing obits and equally dreaded phoning relatives for the necessary facts. But to my surprise and great relief, they often wanted to talk - they wanted their recently deceased loved ones recorded in print.

I feel bound to respect Ronald Reagan, as every American should - not least because he chose a career of public service when he could have made a lot more money doing something else, and not least because he took genuine risks for peace.