 He matriculated at Hatfield College, Durham in 1997 for the Sport in the Community course, after being rejected by Hild Bede College.Having initially planned to focus on cricket, his change of college (Hatfield having a strong reputation for rugby) prompted a change of plans and he was eventually offered a professional contract with Newcastle Falcons to start when he finished his degree.During his final season as a student, 1999–2000, he was awarded a full palatinate by the university for achievements in rugby.