Payne started playing rugby at the age of six as a hooker for Painswick RFC.

After joining London Wasps from Cardiff Blues in 2003 Payne went on to feature in the 2004, 2005 and 2008 Premiership final teams and the 2004 Heineken Cup winning side.

He won his first cap against Australia in June 2004 but had to wait two more years before adding to his tally, as a replacement against the same opponents, on the 2006 summer tour.

Tim ended the 2007 Six Nations as England’s first choice No 1 and was tipped for a Rugby World Cup squad place until he damaged knee ligaments in London Wasps’ Heineken Cup quarter final against Leinster in March. The injury required reconstructive surgery but after five months of intensive rehab he was back in action for Wasps – almost two months earlier than scheduled.

He won his sixth cap against Italy in February 2008 after being called up to replace the injured Sheridan.