Career
On 11 February 2013, Mears was forced to retire when he was diagnosed with a heart abnormality. Mears first started playing rugby for the Torquay Athletic mini team Then after playing at Paignton College, he went to Colston"s School and came under the guidance of Andy Robinson and Alan Martinovic.
He has played for Devon, and all the England age group teams.
He played in three world cup matches in New Zealand for England U21s. Mears joined the Bath Academy in 1997 after leaving Colston"s School.
He managed to score on his first XV début in a friendly against Saracens. Having made 268 Bath appearances over 16 seasons Mears had to retire following medical advice after routine cardiac screening.
Mears was selected for the 2004 Churchill Cup squad but did not play in any of the games.
He came on as a replacement in the 2006 Six Nations Championship games against Wales, Italy and France, and earned a start against Ireland. In 2007, Mears was selected in the England squad for the World Cup. Mears was selected in the starting 15 against Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations.
This came after several games trying to break into the side from the bench.
In June 2012, Mears announced his retirement from international Rugby. On 11 February 2013, he retired with immediate effect following diagnosis of a heart condition.
