Nicknamed 'Bentos', he played club rugby union as a wing for Otley, Sale, Newcastle and Rotherham.
In rugby league he played at club level for Leeds, Halifax (two spells), Balmain Tigers and Huddersfield Giants as a wing.
He is an Honorary President of the Yorkshire region of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland, and hosts and coaches at rugby union camps across England with Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons, and Leeds Carnegie.
Originally a rugby union player, he made his England début against Ireland in 1988 aged 21 and played on the summer tour against Australia.
He played for Leeds, before moving on to Halifax, as well as enjoying a short spell in Australia with Balmain Tigers.