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.

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.

Why are there trees I never walk under but large and melodious thoughts descend upon me?

If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, compromises on principles are the street lights

I am always trying to evolve, so I like to read parenting books and things like that.

Success didn't spoil me, I've always been insufferable.

An age deficient in idealism has ever been one of immorality and superficial attainment, since without the sense of ideas, nobility of character becomes of rare attainment, if possible.

What is the greatest thing ye can experience? It is the hour of great contempt. The hour in which even your happiness becometh loathsome unto you, and so also your reason and virtue.

Listen, the obvious thing to remember is without dark, there is no light, and without light, there is no dark.

The soft-minded man always fears change. He feels security in the status quo, and he has an almost morbid fear of the new. For him, the greatest pain is the pain of a new idea.

So give to the poor; I'm begging you, I'm warning you, I'm commanding you, I'm ordering you.

I suppose everything is bound to look different when you aren't on your way to die.