mines doing that sounds to me like exaust rattle probably come of its holder

 

Thanks for the reply, I would be inclined to agree if it weren't for the clutch/gear box playing such a part in the noise im experiencing..

its much more prominent today... my passenger could definitely hear it too, :/

I even noticed it going down a hill without accelerating, just in gear.. if in neutral or with the clutch pushed in you cant hear it at all so it definitely seems gearbox related? Any insight as to what this may be would be hugely appreciated!

 

My first step would be to drain your gearbox oil and examine-you may find the oil level may just be low! The drain plug is magnetic so any bearings that are breaking up will stick to the drain plug as swarf and make themselves obvious. Keep a sample of the oil to examine too.

Replenish the oil with correct MTF94 from Rover-capacity is around 2.2 litres.

 

is it a raspy sound rather than bag of nails??
I looked at my gear linkage connector (like a steering linkage) and mine looks seized and the plastic bush thing has split

It will make a metallic noise, as its metal to metal contact I suppose??

Have a look-see