Former England international wins gold in martial arts

The 44-year-old, who represented England five times between 2005 and 2009, admitted he was nervous during his first foray into martial arts.

Bell said to the

Stroud News and Journal

: "I was always nervous before rugby matches, but I have to say that the first match I had I was more nervous than when I played for England against the New Zealand All Blacks.

"You can always rely on your teammates in a game of rugby, but when you're on the competition mats at BJJ you are very much on your own and no one can bail you out."

Bell believes the sport is something worth taking part in, he added: "What's great about BJJ is that it is open to all ages, sizes and gender.