From scrapheap to semi-final

Last summer, Andy Gomarsall was wondering if his playing days were over.

He was left without a club after having his contract terminated by Worcester and facing an uncertain future - even playing in the Harpenden Pub Sevens.

But in little over a year, Gomarsall has gone from the scrapheap to preparing for England's World Cup semi-final clash with France in Paris on Saturday.

"I am still pinching myself," said the 33-year-old scrum-half at the team's Parisian base.

"There is massive personal satisfaction to be here for the World Cup semi-finals - I am loving every minute of it.

"I'd be lying if I said that I never doubted myself. When situations occur in your professional career and you're on the scrapheap you are always going to do that.

"I have always felt there has been some unfinished business with playing for England."

Gomarsall's rugby resurrection started when he signed a short-term deal with Harlequins last September and, although he impressed at the Premiership club, he was overlooked for the Six Nations.

The Durham-born number nine was then handed a two-year deal at the Stoop and, with Leicester's Harry Ellis suffering a World Cup-ending knee injury, Gomarsall went on England's summer tour of South Africa and started both Tests.

He made it into England's World Cup squad but was third choice behind Shaun Perry and Peter Richards, not even making the bench for the opener against the United States.

Gomarsall came on at half-time in the thumping loss to South Africa and has been in electric form since, helping steer England to wins over Samoa and Tonga as well as the quarter-final victory over Australia last weekend.

"There was a burning light there and I just kept going for it," he said. "I had good fortune along the way, especially in the last couple of months.

"But I am here now and looking forward to taking the opportunity."

This is not Gomersall's first World Cup campaign. In 1995 he flew out as cover for Dewi Morris but watched from the stands as England defeated Australia in the quarter-finals.

And in 2003 he came on as a replacement against Georgia and started in the 111-13 win over Uruguay.

But he was behind Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken in the pecking order and looked on from the sidelines as England beat the Wallabies in the final.

"What happened in 2003 was a huge driving force," he said. "Straight after the final I said I wanted to be in the mix in the four years leading to the next World Cup.

"I made a promise to myself to be the starting number nine and hopefully get to another final, and the dream is still alive for me.

"I wanted to be involved against the USA, and when you are not then it is frustrating. I did think it would be 2003 all over again but I have experience in that department and I had to be patient.

"I would never say I didn't get a fair crack of the whip (in 2003) but it was hugely frustrating at the time and it spurred me on to be where I am now."

After all he has been through, Gomarsall says he is now ready for the crunch game with France at the Stade de France on Saturday.

"I am loving the opportunity I am getting at the moment," he said. "I love the experience and the atmosphere and that will be heightened even more in the France game.

"It's going to be pretty special. A couple of years ago that would have got to me but I have turned it around mentally.

"I have tried to eradicate the negatives in my game and just highlight the positives. The way we are looking to play the game suits my style.

"Harlequins last season enabled me to play a much more all-round game, taking more responsibility, and it's come through to where I am now.

"Within the group we do not fear anyone, and we just want to get our performance better right through the team.

"It's been a rollercoaster of performances throughout this tournament but we are on the up now."

Source: BBC Sport