Lovers of the sport involving the odd shaped ball will be long familiar with the synergies between rugby and business.

For Matt Gilbert the Hartpury RFC flanker business and rugby came together some time ago when his first idea bubbled to the surface in the form of a mobile coffee shop.

But The Galloping Barista, which serves fans at the games of a number of county sides, has been joined in his growing stable of companies by another converted horse trailer - this time serving freshly made pizzas.

Inside the mobile Gumbie's Wood Fired Pizza is a clever wood-fired pizza oven crafted in part from half a Swiss gym ball - and the project got its first major test at the 50th birthday of Hartpury's physio, Rich Mack producing 50 pizzas.

Thanks for the kind words Helen. https://t.co/rSlHmBPwZg

— Gumbies Wood Fired Pizza (@GumbiesPizza) July 16, 2018

For the one-time Llanelli RFC, Worcester and Bath player - now firm Gloucestershire convert and resident - the businesses are about making money, but also about having fun and developing something which still allows him to focus on his playing career.

"As I did the conversion and built the oven myself I was able to save a huge amount of money but to buy everything ready to go you're looking around seven to eight thousand (pounds)," said Matt.

"Having been a professional rugby player for the last eight years everyone to well aware of the issues players have with the transition out of the pro game.

"Being at Hartpury and the nature of our part time training times, early mornings. By becoming self-employed gives the flexibility to give Hartpury RFC as much of my time that is needed without having to dash off for work at 9am as some players have to.

"So last year I converted my first trailer in a coffee shop which serves Hartpury RFC, Gloucester-Hartpury Ladies and Hartpury University Rugby marched from the pitch side.

"This off-season I went for something different that will be able to exist around my commitments and slowly grow as I start to transition into a life away from professional sport.

"As we are looking to be a predominately private event-based business we are incredibly flexible in giving the customer what they want. Based on budget and taste we will work with the customer to put together a selection of pizzas we will offer the guest."

Both businesses are available for hire for events, parties and weddings - or even rugby games.

As for the rugby he said pre-season had gone well.

"The club has recruited some quality players and we're looking forward to the Championship campaign."