Hamilton: Rugby was not my ambition

While many Premiership stars grew up dreaming of starring with an oval ball in hand, Hamilton readily admits that he had other interests.

But at close to seven foot and 20 stone it was obvious that Hamilton could be a rugby star and he was picked up by Leicester Tigers and made his debut in 2003.

Since then he has gone on to sample life at Gloucester and Saracens and has lifted the Premiership trophy, all of which leaves the 32-year-old relieved to have made the right choice.

"I started rugby quite late," said Hamilton.

"I played in a couple of mini tournaments, although I wasn't that mini at the time, and played Under-11s and U12s with Keresley, a team in Coventry.

"I dropped rugby for a while and fancied myself as a footballer for a bit but I came back to rugby aged 15 so I was quite late into the game.

"Playing rugby as a career wasn't an ambition of mine because basically I wasn't good enough but I always had the size and got picked up by Leicester fairly young and I suppose when I went to Leicester and started rubbing shoulders with guys like Martin Johnson and Ben Kay it was something that started to become a realisation."

Hamilton now struts his stuff at Saracens, but the recently retired Scottish international insists there is more than just the rugby to enjoy down at Allianz Park.

"Premiership Rugby games aren't always just about the rugby," he added. "Obviously there are so many other facets to the game of rugby to understand, but it is a great day out to come with your friends and family.

"And especially at Saracens because you have got the kids playing on the pitch before the game and interacting with the players on the pitch after.

"Rugby is an unbelievable sport and whatever way you can get involved, whether you're playing, watching, supporting a team it is great."

Saracens will be involved a a mouth-watering European Champions Cup match with French giants Toulouse on Saturday. 

@premrugby