Born in South Shields, David went to Harton School and then joined East Durham College in 2001. He represented England U16 and U18 but an anterior cruciate knee injury sustained on U19 World Cup duty prompted his absence for much of the 2004-05 season.
David’s professional career started when he was signed by Newcastle Falcons, making his debut in October 2003. He then joined Bath Rugby in 2009-10 for whom he still plays.
David has currently won 37 caps for England RFU. His initial Test caps against Argentina in June 2009 had followed his selection in the starting line-up against the Barbarians at Twickenham. He went on to share in England’s 21-20 triumph over Australia in Sydney in June 2010 and a repeat win over the Wallabies at Twickenham last year. His scrummaging power saw him called up to start for England in this year’s Six Nations against Ireland, Wales and Italy.