There are different forms of bravery in rugby. Any player who crosses the white line into a world of 20 stone props and fly halves who tackle like locomotives has already demonstrated considerable courage. Yet it also requires courage to choose not to cross that line, to admit vulnerability and to forgo that opportunity.

Such was Alex Corbisiero’s decision in December when he announced that he was taking a 12-month break from the game. The cumulative effect of ten years at the coalface had taken such a toll that the Northampton and England prop had forgotten what it felt like to be fit and healthy.

“For the last three four years of my career there was always some form of ailment or injury to manage,” Corbisiero said. “I was either on anti-inflammatories or I was icing constantly to make sure I squeezed every drop of my body out for the weekend.” He was equally exhausted mentally. Stress was ever-present, like a poison in his blood.