ɐn ɛnθˌuːziˈæstɪk ˈɑːɹsənəl fˈʊtbɔːl səpˈoːɹɾɚ, hiː wʌz ˌɪntɹədˈuːst tə ɹˈʌɡbi jˈuːniən æt hɪz tʃˈaɪldhʊd skˈuːl, sənt. dʒˈoʊsəfz ɐkˈædəmi, blˈækhiːθ, wˌɛɹ hiː wʌz ɹᵻkwˈaɪɚd baɪ ðə hɛdmˈæstɚ tə dʒˈɔɪn ðə tˈiːm.
An enthusiastic Arsenal football supporter, he was introduced to rugby union at his childhood school, St. Joseph's Academy, Blackheath, where he was required by the headmaster to join the team.