Chris has been a professional rugby player for 12 years and in that time played premiership and European rugby and achieved international caps across all age groups.

As a young lad Chris was diagnosed with severe dyslexia and his frustrations in the classroom led to behaviour issues. On the rugby pitch Chris found he was able to excel, something which helped to change his outlook on life.

At the height of his career Chris was selected for the 2007 World Cup and was considered one of the best props in the world. He also played for the Barbarians and Northern Hemisphere .In total Chris achieved 15 caps for Wales, a feat that no one could have predicted considering that his career was rudely interrupted by two bouts of life threatening cancer. Overcoming months of chemotherapy and being left in intensive care after a massive operation made him determined to regain his fitness and work towards international status. Sheer guts and courage in the face of many who believed it was not possible led Chris to his dream.

We at Commonweal are extremely privileged to have added Chris to our list of Patrons. We had the pleasure of meeting him when he came to talk to the students about his learning difficulties and frustration. The students hung on his every word were truly inspired by him.