KIDDERMINSTER rugby star James Percival knows all about overcoming adversity.

The Harlequins star has experienced the lows after a career threatening injury but bounced back to reach the heights, as he helped his Guinness Premiership side to pull off a historic Heineken European Cup double over Stade Francais in December.

The 25-year-old showed sheer determination to recover from a broken neck sustained in 2005 and his efforts paid off handsomely when he played in front of a 78,000 strong crowd at the Stade de France, where Quins won 15-10.

A week later, Percival again played his part keeping Francais at bay, when Harlequins won 19-17 at Twickenham Stoop.

“It was an amazing feeling to the double over Stade Francais,” said Percival.

“Three years ago I broke my neck and I was told that I might never to play again, so these wins are even more sweet for me.

“I was determined not to give up on the game and when my operation went well I was focused on getting back.

“I’m only in my second full season back in action and I am just concentrating on making myself a regular in the Harlequins side.

“We’re a young team who are learning together and have a great spirit.”

The Wilden School student started his eventful journey into rugby when he was spotted by Old Halesonians while playing.

After a spell at the club, he joined Worcester’s academy, before securing a move to Rugby Union stalwarts Northampton.

The powerful lock was also part of the England under-21 team that won the 2004 Six Nations Grand Slam.

However, his blossoming career looked in doubt when he suffered his injury.

But the young player showed determination to recover and after a successful loan spell at Bedford Blues, he secured a move to Quins in the summer of 2007.

Since then he has been quietly rebuilding his career and working on his game to become a first team regular under the stewardship of Leicester Tigers and England legend Dean Richards.

Percival said: “I believe that a great coach can get another 10 per cent out of players.

“Dean Richards is very special, he’s a figurehead and an inspirational leader.

“We also have two other excellent coaches who work hard with us.

“I have not given any thought to playing for England, I am just concentrating on Harlequins and see where it goes from there.”

The flanker still has strong connections with the area he grew up in and will be spending Christmas day with his parents.

However, with games against Leicester and Wasps coming up, he is well aware that he’ll have to show restraint while those around him get into the festive spirit.

“My only day off is Christmas Day, so I will drive up night before and spend it with my family,” said the player.

“While everyone is indulging themselves I’ll have to be very careful.

“I still have a lot of friends in the town and know a few of the guys from Kidderminster Carolians.

“I also know a lot of players from around the area because I played them when I was at Halesonians where I started out.”

The rising star also paid tribute to his dad, Brian, who helped set him on his path to rugby stardom.

“I was spotted as a kid but my dad has been a big influence on me.

“He’s been the one who has got me out of bed even when I didn’t want to and was there on Sunday mornings helping me put in extra training.

“He comes to every match to watch me and it’s a big boost to have someone giving you encouragement all of the time,” added Percival.