Launch Event

I was glad to see the year got off to a good start with the launch event which appeared to be enjoyed by all those that attended. It was my way of letting you know a little of what is going to be happening throughout the year and I hope that the other events are supported as much as the opening one was. It was good that this event could be enjoyed by all as it was a free one, and was nice to see some friendly faces and a mixture of ages. There will be other events aimed at the everyday supporter and not just the corporate market, as these are the people who have supported me throughout my ten years at Sale.

For those of you who were there I think that you would agree that John Bentley was top notch, it was a great opportunity to hear a few tales from one of the best on the after dinner circuit. The little cameo from Steve Diamond also made the night much more enjoyable, and I want to thank the lads who turned up for helping out as it meant a lot.

Obviously the disappointment for me was having to announce my retirement - I have tried everything to get back fit, but I have been at a sticking point for some time and was advised by the surgeon that unfortunately I am not going to see any further improvement. On a positive note, the injury does not hamper me on a day to day basis, it is only really sprinting, reducing speed and some forms of contact that I have problems with so should not really affect me in a normal everyday life (unless Annie decides to smash me!).

The year has got off to a good start with the golf day selling out - I am just hoping that I can pull it out of the bag on the course on Monday and beat Wiggy for a change, my usual golfing partner, but he seems to do a lot better with his handicap than I do. Some would use the word “bandit”, but we will have to wait and see.