Episode 024: James Forrester

Today's episode is with one of the most exciting and unorthodox talents rugby has ever seen, Gloucester and England backrower James Forrester.

James is now the CEO of Gloucester-Hartpury - reigning Premier 15s champions.

Having burst onto the scene for Gloucester, in 2002, at just 21, Forrester made his England debut against the Barbarians, scoring a 65m wonder-try, skimming none other than the great Jonah Lomu.

James’ rugby career was to come to an eventual end, with a ‘blood curdling’ scream and an injury the operating surgeon said was the worst sporting he’d ever seen, comparing it to someone who’d been in a car crash.

Olympic gold medal winning Fijian coach, Ben Ryan - who'd coached James at school - said of his retirement: "The tragedy is we never saw the best of him – he could do things on the field that defied belief. The game is losing a great talent".

Enjoy this interview with a true Gloucester and rugby legend, as we talk about his life and career.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-starting-line-with-rich-leigh/id1701825108

Listen and subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46IufelOtcvvBzdidS4oUl