Hooker Long joined the Falcons in the summer of 2004 from Rotherham, having spent the first few months of the 2003/4 campaign with Irish province Munster during the 2003 World Cup.
He made his international debut back in November 1997 in the 15-15 Twickenham draw against Australia, before returning to the Test ranks against the USA in June 2001 for a 48-19 win in San Francisco. He then played for England against the Barbarians in December of 2003.
A former pupil of St Peter’s Comprehensive School in Bournemouth, Long represented England at Under-18s before captaining the national Under-19s and Under-21s.
Having started his career with a seven-year spell at Bath, he made a total of 84 Premiership appearances for the Recreation Ground outfit, vying with Mark Regan for the No.2 starting spot and scoring five league tries.
Long appeared for England Saxons in 2008, helping them to a convincing win away at Italy 'A'.
School/university: St Peter’s RC Comprehensive Bournemouth
Previous clubs: Bournemouth, Bath, Munster, Rotherham
Nicknames: Longy
Favourite TV show: Friends, Top Gear
Favourite film: Blood Diamond
Favourite music: Acoustic
Favourite book: The Alchemist
Favourite food: Steak
Most like to meet: My ancestors
Least like to meet: Grim Reaper
Best moment in rugby: My first England cap
Best moment outside of rugby: Waking up each morning with my health
Favourite place to visit: South Africa
Team-mate least like to share a room with and why: Tom May, I would never get in the bathroom
