County Durham-born Tait is one of the most exciting talents to have been produced in England for many years, so much so that at only 18 years of age he was put straight into the England team for the Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff.

Tait's considerable natural ability enables him to play at both outside centre and wing to great effect, whilst he has also been a big hit on the IRB Sevens circuit for England.

The former Barnard Castle Schoolboy's electric pace and elusive running style makes him a handful for defences, while he has also developed a dangerous scoring ability when given a sniff of the try line.

As he continued to rack up the appearances for Newcastle, he again starred on the Sevens stage, winning a silver medal and player of the tournament honours at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, as well as the Hong Kong Sevens title.

Such was his resurgence that he was brought back in to the full England squad, playing both of the 2006 summer Tests against Australia before featuring heavily in 2006/7.

Off the field Tait has also made fantastic progress, starting his degree studies at Newcastle University in biomedical science.

School/university: Barnard Castle School, Newcastle University

Previous clubs: Consett Minis

Nicknames: Taity, Small Face

Favourite TV show: Family Guy, Entourage, Grand Designs

Favourite film: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings

Favourite music: Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay

Favourite book: Princess Diaries

Favourite food: Chicken stir fry, olives

Most like to meet: Tony Blair

Least like to meet: Geoff Parling

Best moment in rugby: Winning the Hong Kong Sevens

Favourite place to visit: Thailand or Hogwarts

Team-mate least like to share a room with and why: Ollie Phillips, he's too noisy

I love: Relaxing, beating up Peter Walton

I hate: Bad manners