A FORMER Rossendale man who moved to the Gulf with his family has told how his dream came true when he played alongside an England rugby hero.

Sean McShea, who used to live in Stacksteads, moved to Kuwait eight years ago with his wife, Sharon, to start a new life.

He lived out his sporting dream when he got to play against Jason Leonard, England's World Cup winning forward and record holder for the most number of caps. Sean, who plays for Kuwait in the Arabian Gulf League, flew 600 miles to Qatar for the Doha Rugby Club's 30th anniversary.

The England hero stayed with the two teams at the prestigious Ramada Hotel in Doha last weekend.

Sean's dad, Michael, a Stacksteads ward councillor, said: "I like rugby, but Sean is a real fan so it's the ultimate accolade for him to be able to play alongside someone who is so highly thought of in the rugby world."

And while Sean, a front prop enjoyed his jaunt with one of the world's finest players, wife Sharon stayed at their home with the three young children.

The couple moved to Kuwait in 1996 to become teachers in the local primary school, The New English School in Jabriya.

Sean, 35, a former teacher at Thorn County Primary School, Bacup, said: "It was a massive honour to play alongside somebody who all rugby players will idolise. It was organised by the chairman of Doha, Keith Townson, who used to live in Rochdale before moving to the Gulf.

"It was a special occasion because he was made a life member of our club after he played at Kuwait for 12 years.

"We had a presentation for Keith, which Jason stayed for. That was a nice touch to round off a fantastic weekend."