Back five forward Buist was born in Hampshire but moved to Northumberland during his youth due to his father's involvement with the RAF.

Anterior cruciate knee ligament damage picked up for the Falcons in Perpignan in January 2005 ruled him out of the England squad for the Under-21 Six Nations and World Cup, having made the breakthrough and been a consistent performer for the first team before his injury struck.

Having played for the Alnwick club as a youngster, in 2005 Buist was named Alnwick's sports personality of the year, having also been given the Falcons Academy player of the year trophy for the 2003/4 season.

In 2006 he underwent the positional change from lock to No.8, and was promoted in to the full first team squad for the 2006/7 campaign, making a host of appearances in the back five.

School/university: Alnwick Duchess Community High School

Previous clubs: Alnwick

Nicknames: The Posh Powerhouse, Buzz Lightyear

Favourite TV show: Prison Break

Favourite film: Top Gun

Favourite music: Acoustic

Favourite book: Harry Potter

Favourite food: Christmas Dinner

Most like to meet: Sienna Miller please

Least like to meet: Ed Williamson in the morning (dog breath!)

Best moment in rugby: When Eni Gesinde bulldozed over Geoff Parling from a standing start

Best moment outside of rugby: When Sable (aka ‘The Devil Dog’) pooed on Geoff Parling’s brand new carpet

Favourite place to visit: Wherever Ed Williamson’s breath isn’t

Team-mate least like to share a room with and why: Geoff Parling, he’s so camp

I love: Food, the Devil Dog

I hate: Geoff Parling