The former Eye schoolboy cut his teeth in rugby at Mackenders in the Diss RFC youth setup, before moving to Leicester Tigers where last season he won the Guinness Premiership Final and the EDF Energy Cup.

The powerful centre has been selected in Brian Ashton's 30-man squad, who kick off their defence of the Webb Ellis trophy against USA on September 8.

The Diss Express will be following Hipkiss' journey every step of the way in the World Cup, which the nation dreams will conclude on October 20 with England retaining their world title.

Diss Express readers have the chance to wish Hipkiss well before and during the tournament by emailing: sport@dissexpress.co.uk, writing to: Hoorays for Hipkiss, Diss Express, Norfolk and Suffolk House, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AE; or posting a message below.

We will then pass the messages on to the former Hartismere High School pupil to let him know that the people from his old stomping ground are right behind him during the World Cup.


Your messages to Dan...

From George Chuter: Just wishing you good luck for the rest of the World Cup. Even though I'm sitting next to you on the bus, I thought it would be a nice surprise for you to get a message!

From Mike Liggins, BBC Look East, Diss: Good luck for Saturday! We're right behind you. Do it for England - do it for Diss!!

From Phil Royle: Just wanted to say, as a retired ex-schools North of England/Liverpool St Helens centre and now Diss lad myself, it is an absolute pleasure seeing such a skilled, strong and sorted centre in action. Up for Diss!

You play with maturity way beyond your years.

Your international debut was awesome... selfless too, which is rare, playing the team game that wins matches, as per the Welsh onslaught (hooray!). Just wanted to say all the best in France kid.

Keep the teams' heads up, whatever the score line... we CAN win, with your skills on board

GO FOR IT mate!
;-)


From Paul Brennan: All the best for the tournament, a lot of the old boys are right behind you!


From Jimmy and Pauline Butler: Wishing you good luck in the final of the World Cup on Saturday night in Paris. We will be in the crowd somewhere cheering you on. We are very proud that an ex Diss player has played for England in the 2007 world cup and have followed your progress with great interest.


From Lorraine Hipkiss: I wanted to send this good luck message because my name is Hipkiss as well. It was brilliant to see another Hipkiss in the news, so I looked you up on the net and came across this article to send you luck. Hope you do really well. I know nothing about rugby, but I will be following the World Cup now. Good luck from a fellow Hipkiss.

From Dider Boyer, Hellesdon, Norwich: Although I am French I wanted to wish you the very best of luck not only for Saturday but for your whole career.

I have been living in Norfolk for 22 years so I must say that I wasn't too bothered who won last saturday as I love you guys (members of the England team) as much as the French lot.

In fact I watch more of you guys on Sky Sport and after 22 years, I am far more connected to English Rugby than French rugby

Despite 22 years of playing for Lowestoft and Norwich RUFC I have never had the pleasure and honour of playing against you or even watch you as we are of a different generation (born 1962) but I noticed you with Leicester (That I had the pleasure to train with in the 90s with Norwich) and I thought it was about bloody time you played for England. They should have picked you ages ago.

I think you are a tremendous player and I must say that last saturday when you came on I was split between the great pleasure of seeing you play and thinking. Oh sh*t! Hipkiss is on! Last thing we need!

From Jason, Jackie, Marcus and Abi Wyatt: Good luck for Saturday, we will be behind you all the way. We thought you were awesome last week. Look forward to seeing you and the World Cup at Diss RFC. Good luck!

From Norman, Diss RFC: Dan, I was in the crowd in Paris last weekend, best night of my rugby watching life.The 1/2 hour we spent in the stadium after the match was unbelievable.what an atmosphere ! Good wishes for the final to all of you, will be watching in the clubhouse this time.

From Roy, Norwich: Dan, Who would have thought that the lad I wrestled 16 years ago when babysitting for him and his sister with a local lass from the village, would go on to play pro rugby and represent his country in the World Cup final! Time has flown mate and you would wipe the floor with me now!
Wishing you the very best of luck for tomorrow.
Cheers!