Sheppard, who was a funeral director by profession, debuted for England in a 1981 Five Nations Test against Wales in Cardiff.[2] It wasn't until 1985 that he got another opportunity, with Wales again his opponent.[3] He remained in the England squad for the tour of New Zealand that followed.[4]
One of his sons Max has followed in his footsteps but in coaching rugby. By taking North Bristol RFC undefeated in the 2022/23 season which was capped off with a trip to Twickenham with them winning the Pappa Johns National Cup. [5]