Simon Whatling

Simon headed south to join the Pirates in 2007 after a three-year spell at Worcester, having played for England up to U21s level, and captaining them at a game in the 2005 World Championships held in Argentina.

He started his rugby with the Devizes at the age of 6, and then went on to Chippenham aged 13, a club that has produced a good number of quality rugby players, including Alex Clarke (Bristol) and Chris Horsman (Worcester & Wales). His education was at Devizes and then Bath Rugby Academy, at Oldfield School, Simon also attending a business course at the University of Bath.

In representing England from U16s to U21s level, he has played alongside some of England's likely future stars, including such as Tom Rees, James Haskell and Toby Flood.

Simon enjoyed his time at Bath, appreciating the support of Academy manager Frank Butler, a good guy and a Cornishman from Camborne! He was also fortunate enough whilst there to play alongside some outstanding performers, including Mikes Catt and Tindall.

Away from rugby, Simon enjoys playing golf and poker, whilst he also fancies himself as being a bit of a Jamie or Gordon in the kitchen. He has also been an accomplished young cricketer, as a right-hand batsman and wicket-keeper who played for Wiltshire Schools. In 2000 he went on a tour of the West Indies with the West of England side, and he has also played Minor Counties cricket at senior level.

His personal sporting highlights all surround the game of rugby football, them including a first time spot on the bench for a Bath versus Northampton match when only just turned 18, captaining England U21s, playing in the Middlesex Sevens, and striking a penalty for a bonus point that kept Worcester in the Premiership at the end of the 2005-06 season.

Sadly, as we all know, after making six appearances for us at the start of last season, Simon injured his shoulder against Pertemps Bees, it one which proved to be serious and required two operations. It was a big blow both for Simon and the club, but he kept busy and happily responded to help when able with our community work.

By the end of the season he was making a steady return to fitness under the watchful eye of Simon and Lauren, and fully recovered is now determined to put his career back on track.