Since that move up the M5, he has cemented a regular place in the Gloucester line up, becoming one of the most prolific line out forwards in the Premiership and earning full England recognition along the way.
"It's a big achievement I suppose and I feel hugely proud and very privileged to be in good shape and to have kept going through those 200 games."
Given the huge physical demands of playing at the highest level in the modern era, how's the body holding up?
(Laughs) "It's not too bad actually! I certainly feel a few knocks towards the end of the season but we're only halfway through at the moment so I'm feeling reasonably fresh."
And how about pushing for 300 games once the 200 barrier has been breached?
"I'd like to try. 200 is fantastic and 300 would be amazing. I went through 200 Premiership games a couple of weeks ago and that was a big thing for me. I'll just try to stay injury free and hope to keep going."
Looking ahead to La Rochelle and the current state of play in Gloucester's Amlin Challenge Cup group, how important is Saturday's game?
"The away games are really key and, if we get an away win at La Rochelle at the weekend, it'll be a great help."
"They're pretty tenacious, they've got a good defence. We've watched three or four of their games and they're doing ok. They were promoted last year and are a team that are on the up I think."
"It can be tough in France and we're well aware of that for the weekend."
