Dear Mr Henry

Dear Mr Henry,

I hear you are short of locks. I feel obliged to help out.

At a mere 1.92 metres, I may be short by international locking standards. But I see you've managed to play Troy Flavell at lock sucessfully. I could also wear inserts in my boots to add a couple more centimetres.

You may also think my age will count against me, but a I will only be the same age as Lawrence Dallaglio, and the Poms think he's still capable.

I know you should be concerned about by knee, and my ankle - but I have been bicycling all year so have plenty of strength. On the plus side my jaw works fine, my wife isn't pregnant, and the calfs are pretty good at the moment.

I'm not sure any videotape remains of my playing days for the Paekakariki Senior Reserve, or for the Tawa Reserve Grade team, or Tawa Presidents, but I know you are pretty desparate.

All the best for Sunday.

Michael.