AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TOM PALMER

The England lock spent two seasons at the school as an 18-year-old, honing his skills that would one day catapult him into the heart of the England pack.

And he will get the chance to help England's Rugby World Cup bid on Sunday when he starts at lock against Romania.

“I went from playing in a comprehensive school in Edinburgh where we played against the second teams from one of the bigger schools to going out to New Zealand and playing in the local under-20s competition – against club and university sides.

“We were playing against guys a couple of years older than us each week so that was pretty tough but a great learning experience - and it was great to see some old friends again.”

Palmer will be at the forefront of England's effort on Saturday - and Martin Johnson's men will be backed by thousands of England fans who are enjoying the Rugby World Cup trip of a lifetime.

“New Zealand is just a unique place for watching rugby,” Palmer told englandrugbytravel.com 

“It is a fantastic country to go to and a quality destination in its own right, The attitude of the people and how important rugby is means the whole country will be geared towards this Rugby World Cup.

“If you are a rugby fan this is really the place to go – it will be an unforgettable experience and having the backing of the fans has been fantastic for us."