Horsman represented England through to under-21 level but qualified for Wales on residency grounds in 2005 and made his Test debut against New Zealand that November.

Former Wales coach Steve Hansen first targeted Horsman for a switch back in 2002 when he played for Bridgend and then the now-defunct Celtic Warriors.

Although Horsman then signed for Worcester, he continued to live in Porthcawl and turned down one final invitation from England before making his debut under Mike Ruddock nearly two years ago.

Things have not gone smoothly since. While England have an outside chance of lifting the title tomorrow, Wales must win to avoid a whitewash.

But Horsman insists he has no divided loyalties. Welsh rugby is in his heart.

Wearing the red jersey means everything to me, he said.

I know what everyone is thinking because I played for the England age-groups. But it will be my ninth cap and I have shown where my loyalties lie.

Welsh rugby is very passionate and as soon as you are involved in it you cant help but see it and feel it and you want to make it right when it's bad.

I will give all for the country. I am very proud of what I do. I have never hidden that fact. I am immensely honoured to be wearing the red jersey.

And I am not just saying that. You know my attitude towards things.

These are no empty words. Horsman views life differently to most of the rest of us having shown the fortitude and bravery to battle successfully through two bouts of cancer.

He was overcome with emotion during the anthems ahead of Wales defeat to Italy in Rome last weekend and those emotions certainly put the pressures of five straight defeats and a potential RBS 6 Nations wooden spoon into stark perspective.

It probably hurts me more than anyone to lose but I have a mechanism in me now which means when I come away I can snap out of it quickly. I tell myself we have got a chance to put it right next week, he explained.

Sometimes in life you dont get second chances. I have been around people on the wards I was on who didnt get a second chance.

In rugby if it goes wrong there is always next Saturday. You do get that opportunity to put things right very quickly.