Dave Scully's face beams into the camera as the victorious England squad celebrate their 1991 World Sevens triumph at Murrayfield.

Alongside the Yorkshire fireman are some familiar faces.

Lawrence Dallaglio, Matt Dawson and Tim Rodber. All bear a more youthful look, testimony to a carefree life before professionalism took over the 15-man code.

But that trio are now the epitome of a new era. Two England captains and a respected, veteran international. Three men who have reached the very top of their chosen sport.

Scully, now 35, could be forgiven if he wondered what happened to him.

Arguably he possessed as much talent as any of his team-mates but instead of collecting caps, trophies and cash, the scrum-half has been forced to endure a rugby career exclusively confined to the second tier of the game.

His ability warranted more but the outcome reflects a fierce loyalty to his family, job and to Yorkshire.

So, on Sunday, when Rotherham take the field at Clifton Lane to become the first side from the White Rose county to play in a Premiership match, it is fitting Scully will be there.

``I do not regret what I have done in my career at all,'' he said.

``I stayed in Yorkshire hoping, one day, that I could be part of a team which reached, then played in the highest league.

``Getting promoted last season was something I have been striving for over the past 10, 12, 14 years.

``I would have liked to play for England but when the sevens thing came up, I had a decent career of my own and didn't feel as though I needed to move to achieve my aims.

``It has taken longer than I expected but I will be a proud man on Sunday.''

Bristol will be the first visitors to Yorkshire for a top-flight league match
and can expect a warm reception from the local supporters, who love nothing more than cramming into their tight Clifton Lane home and bellowing the opposition into submission.

Rotherham's preparations have been hit by the loss of chief benefactor Mike Yarlett, who has bankrolled the club's unlikely rise from the depths of North-East One where they started league life in 1987.

With £1.8million on offer from the Rugby Football Union, Yarlett has decided his financial backing is no longer necessary and is standing aside amid concerns about his health.

However, having finally made the big time at the expense of near neighbours Leeds, who have invested a comparable amount, only to finish one place behind their Yorkshire rivals last term, Rotherham are not ready to relinquish their status at the first challenge.

``I don't know what Bristol will expect because they will be used to playing in purpose-built stadiums where the fans are a bit further away from the pitch,'' said Scully.

``But the crowd at Rotherham are right on top of you and for a visiting player that can be slightly intimidating to say the least.''

Scully has been removed from active firefighting duties for a year, which will allow him to train as a full-time player, even if he does have to call into the office on occasions to provide administrative support.

``We are not getting carried away because if we don't deliver on Sunday, everything will fall flat,'' he said.

``All my family and friends will be there, so I would prefer that not to happen.

``We have been training every day and compared to what I have been used to, it is quite intense.

``But hopefully, we will have 5,000 cheering us on and that will give us some extra help.

``We have to work hard and take our training form onto the pitch. If we do that we can come up with a win.''