A former professional rugby player who thought his career was over after a series of injuries has forged a new path in life - after becoming a bodybuilder and personal trainer.

Dave McCall, 28, from Scotland, was scouted by a professional rugby team when he was 18 and by 22 had made his first start in the Heineken Cup scoring a try on his debut.

Over the next three years, he battled with injury and a stress fracture in his spine made performing at a high level a struggle. A shoulder operation, a knee hamstring operation and ruptured bicep followed. 'You name the injury, I’ve most likely had it,' he told FEMAIL.

Dave McCall, 28, was scouted by a professional rugby team when he was 18 but due to injury, he had to stop playing the sport, which left him out of shape, left. Not one to give up, he decided to become as big and strong as he possibly could and has since become a personal trainer and body builder, right

'I was blessed with talent but cursed by injury. I am very grateful for the experience as it’s made me the strong person I am today. I represented Scotland at all age group levels and national sevens, got to travel the world and made lots of lifetime friends.'

Whilst his rugby career didn't work out, Dave, who was inspired by kickboxer with Jean Cluade van Damme, decided that he 'had to be big and strong'.

Dave, who is 5ft 11in and weighs 16st 5lb, admits that it took him fourteen years to achieve the look he has today - and it wasn't easy

Dave was scouted by a professional rugby team when he was 18 and by 22 had made his first start in the Heineken Cup scoring a try on his debut. Since having to give up the sport he loved, he developed a passion for fitness and competed in several competitions

So what does a typical day look like in Dave's regime? 'I use a typical bodybuilding style training routine, where I train specific muscle groups on specific days,' he explained.

He said: 'I lived in Zambia until I was about 12 so I never spent much time inside, there was also something physical to be done outside, that helped me build a muscular frame from a young age. I had a set of 1kg ankle weights that I wore whilst running, doing press ups and practicing high kicks.'

Dave, who is 5ft 11in and weighs 16st 5lb, admits that it took him fourteen years to achieve the look he has today - and it wasn't easy.

'It’s not easy to get to where I am and most people can’t. That’s not to say it’s impossible but it would take years of constant hard work, which most people aren’t willing to put in.

'People like the idea of being fit and healthy but the reality of achieving this status breaks people down. You have to be mentally tough to break that barrier.'

Speaking about transforming his body, Dave, left when he was injured, and, right, now, said: 'It's not easy to get to where I am and most people can't. That's not to say it's impossible but it would take years of constant hard work, which most people aren't willing to put in'

So what does a typical day look like in Dave's regime? 'I use a typical bodybuilding style training routine, where I train specific muscle groups on specific days,' he explained.

Most of his training is with weights and he does cardio 3-4 times per week, which varies from incline walking to full-on sprints or kick boxing. He can bench press 180kg.

'I like having big muscles but they need to be functional as well,' he added. 'I do gymnastics once a week as well to keep flexible and also just because backflips are cool!'.

He follows a strict diet, too, which consist of 5-6 meals per day and includes plenty of oats, whey protein, chicken and green vegetables.

His hard work has certainly paid off; he has competed in several shows - where he was consistently place in the top three - and was snapped up by esteemed agency W Athletic so does sports modelling on the side.

Most of his training is with weights and he does cardio 3-4 times per week, which varies from incline walking to full-on sprints or kick boxing. He can bench press 180kg

Despite his honed physique, Dave, admits his size does put some women off.

'I do get compliments on my physique a lot, mostly from other guys,' he admits. 'I am at the size where girls tend to be put off but that doesn’t really bother me at all because I do this for myself.

'It’s nice obviously when people have something nice to say but I get plenty negative comments too so I tend to ignore everything. The best compliment that anyone can give me is to say that I’ve motivated them to train harder and become better. I like to have a positive effect on people.

Sharing his golden piece of advice for anyone looking to emulate him, Dave, who is currently penning a book, said: 'The best bit of advice I could give to anyone is to learn your body and how best to treat it.

'Once you master that it will always be easy to get in shape. Don’t be fooled by all these quick fix diets online; there is no secret to getting in shape. Eat consistently well, sleep and train hard and that’s it. You can’t out train a bad diet so get that right first and the rest will follow.'