Austin is a former rugby union ace whose all-round talent made him a regular fixture on the sport pages. He achieved recognition at an early age playing for the England under-21s and became an integral member of the Leicester team at 19.

Austin was nicknamed “The Leicester Lip” because of his outspoken banter and “Mr Multi-Skilled” because he was so adaptable on the rugby pitch. Austin went on to win an impressive 51 caps for England but injury prevented him from winning the 2003 World Cup.

Austin says: “I miss the competitive element in my life now that I’ve retired from rugby and this will bring that back. I will give 100%.”

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