A member of the 1998 Premiership winning Newcastle team, Paul nicknamed ‘Tank’ during his playing days, was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour leading to doctors to also discover inoperable cancer throughout his kidneys and liver.

The father of five from North Shields is determined to fight the disease and has recently set up a Just Giving page to raise funds and awareness for Restart Rugby, as well as Cancer Research UK and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The money raised for Restart Rugby will go towards providing financial, practical and emotional support to ill and injured players, during and after their professional rugby careers.

The 49-year-old who made over 160 appearances for the Falcons’ from 1992 to 1999, said: “I am determined to fight through my cancer. I know it will be my biggest challenge but I want to raise hope for my family, myself and others alike and I need your support to make dreams become a reality.

“My plan is to support three charities that are very close to my heart and are currently supporting me through this process. I plan on hosting a variety of events over the coming months which will hopefully raise significant awareness around the amazing work they do.

“I ask you collectively to help me support each and every one of these mentioned. I have a tough time ahead but this will give me the strength to fight on and be there for my kids and my family.”

Paul has also set up a trust fund for his youngest daughter, Hope Elle, with all monies raised at an upcoming Falcons Legends v North East Clubs benefit match going towards the Hope Elle Van Zandvliet Benefit Fund.

For more information on how to donate, please visit Paul’s Just Giving page by clicking here.

Alternatively please follow Paul on Twitter and Facebook.

Report courtesy of the RPA

Smart Experiences brought together six iconic World Cup wining captains on the night, Martin Johnson, Francois Pienaar, David Kirk, Nick Farr-Jones, John Eales and John Smit.

Each of the captains spoke about their experiences and how it felt to be crowned World Champions to over 1300 enthralled guests.

This spectacular event was hosted by former England international, Martin Bayfield, and as guests took their seats to enjoy a special menu created by Michelin-starred chef, Angela Hartnett, RFU mezzo soprano Laura Wright beautifully performed ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’.

Greg Lawson, CEO of Smart Experiences, said: “The Rugby Captains Dinner combined my passions of rugby and great hospitality experiences, which delivered not only a fantastic amount to charity but to our guests as well.

“It was an action packed evening of sporting entertainment, from Angela Hartnett’s enticing menu, to Ben Kay’s Bar Chat to Laura Wright with her amazing renditions of the two great English rugby anthems, culminating in the captains fascinating stories from their World Cup triumphs and insights into the 2015 tournament.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team that delivered not only the catering, but produced an outstanding and entertaining event, a truly memorable Smart Experience which we will continue on an annual basis, making this a truly landmark occasion.”

Damian Hopley, Group CEO of the Rugby Players’ Association, said: “It was incredible to witness the generosity of those who attended the Rugby Captains Dinner and I can’t thank Smart Experiences enough for staging such a wonderful evening and for supporting these two outstanding charities. The money raised on the night will help Restart Rugby and the Willow Foundation to continue our fantastic work.”