Funnily enough, the start of my career as a rugby writer coincided with the start of Shontayne Hape's career in rugby union. Fifteen months ago - after he scored his first try for Bath (against Sale in the Anglo-Welsh Cup) - I interviewed him at Edgeley Park.
And a nicer, more grounded gent you could not wish to find.
That's why I wasn't surprised when Bath coach Steve Meehan praised Hape's modesty and work ethic yesterday, just minutes after it was announced that the 28-year-old had been picked by Martin Johnson for England Six Nations campaign.
There's nothing of the Cipriani Syndrome about Shontayne. A family man with two young boys, the New Zealand-born centre isn't going to let his ego balloon now the media's lenses and microphones are pointed in his direction.
Read my interview with Meehan here
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