After playing first class rugby for over eight years, during which time he won 3 England Caps, a World Cup 7's Winners medal, a Cambridge Blue and various honours with Wasps, Damian was forced to retire from professional rugby in 1998, after a series of knee operations. The lack of support available to professional players led Damian to found the PRA later that same year.
He has been the driving force behind the PRA, having founded the organisation after his retirement. He has been instrumental as the lead negotiator on all player related agreements for both the England team and the British and Irish Lions since 2001. He represents the PRA on The Professional Game Board (PGB) the body established to run professional rugby in England. His influence ensures that the players' rights are protected and represented at all levels within the sport, and he is currently Chairman of the International Rugby Players Association.
Damian has a Masters degree in Theology from St Andrews University, and was recently inducted into the University Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to postgraduate studies at Cambridge in 1992, and has been written regular columns for the Daily Telegraph and The Evening Standard as well as being a member of the ITV Rugby World Cup team in 1997 and 1999. He is also a popular speaker, MC and auctioneer and has raised significant funds for the PRA Benevolent Fund, The Players' Charity since its inception in 2002.
