Now he's back in training with Gloucester before linking up with the rest of the England Senior Elite squad next week ahead of the 2010/11 international season.
He says: "I'm really looking forward to meeting up with everyone who comes along to the Portway Rugby Development Centre on Saturday. I've been lucky enough to have played the game continuously both with my former club Dings Crusaders, at University and, at the very top level, with Bristol and now Gloucester.
"I can easily understand why all of the outside pressures that are piled on young people's shoulders these days can lure them away from the game especially once they leave school. But there's always a place for them to return and start playing again at their local club who, I know, will welcome them back with open arms.
"And that's what Saturday is all about. So if you've been missing the fun, camaraderie and enjoyment of the game in recent years why not come down to the Portway Development Centre join in the fun and we'll put you back in touch with your old club or help you to find a new one. If in doubt just pitch up and play."
Having kicked off in Newcastle, and visited London's Old Deer Park last weekend, Bristol is the third stop along the way for the O2 Rugby Reunion initiative, part of the RFU's Play On campaign, designed to keep 16-24 year-old age group playing rugby. The Play On campaign is also supported by a network of O2 Pathfinders, over 1600 volunteers who guide players on their rugby journey by connecting them with clubs across the country.
The Bristol based O2 Pathfinders will be at the Portway Development Centre on Saturday to help anyone who comes along to join a team on the day and play in either of the competitions as well as guiding them to their nearest club.
Players can create a team of six or more and enter to play at an O2 Rugby Reunion event. Click here to create a team and find out more www.facebook.com/o2ukofficial.
Both the teams or individuals turning up can opt to play in either a fun competition or a more serious competition where the eventual finalists will go through to a grand final where they'll meet up with the finalists from the other O2 Rugby Reunion events.'The Big One', as it's called, will take place at a venue in London on Sunday 12th September when the teams will also have the chance to meet some of the current England Elite Rugby Union squad.
Registration on Saturday opens at 11.00am, with the tournament getting underway after a team briefing scheduled for 12.00pm. There is also the chance to pitch up on the day and we will assign you a team. In keeping with the mood for the event, efforts will be made to accommodate all teams and individuals who share in the spirit of the O2 Rugby Reunion, even if their arrival is delayed.
