Due to a life of training and playing, I seem to spend half my time in the shower.

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.

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

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

I only get the points because I have team-mates who do the work and put me in the position to get them.

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

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

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

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.

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'm very happy to be back playing rugby for England again - there were times when I questioned if this would happen.

You, know, the only thing I can be is a writer. I'm absolutely unprepared for anything else. When you've lived the kind of life I have, you are good for nothing. Only writing can save you.

The best liar is he who makes the smallest amount of lying go the longest way.

... for I know I shall be interrupted-- I shall want to be, really, because life is too exciting to sit still for long.

Between each album I try to gain a new insight that I didn't have before and perhaps write a song about something that I've written about before, but from a fresh viewpoint.

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. [The Motto Of The U.S. Postal Service]

The greatest happiness is to sneeze when you want to.

I'm not advocating violence but I think somebody should shoot Simon Cowell.

I paint in order not to cry.

As far as the music being inspired by Seattle, I think it's in some of the songs. Seattle is a really beautiful place in the right light, it's perched on a pretty unique geographic setting.

A self-made man? Yes, and one who worships his creator.