The World Cup winning centre has become one of Gloucester’s most influential and consistent performers during his time with the Kingsholm club.

His hard tackling and strong runs have added a physical dimension to Gloucester’s midfield, having been signed from West Country rivals Bath.

Injury ruined Tins’ chances of helping England retain the 2007 World Cup and this delayed his start to the Guinness Premiership.

He also suffered the same fate during the Six Nations by receiving a sickening blow to his liver in England’s opening Six Nations game against Wales.

His leadership credentials are huge and Mike was one of Gloucester’s joint club captains in 2009-10.

He returned to the England squad for the last game of the 2010 RBS Six Nations and was selected to tour Australia and New Zealand in the summer.

Tins was Gloucester’s club captain in 2010-11 and also captained England in the 2011 RBS Six Nations although an ankle injury suffered against Scotland ended his club and country campaign prematurely.