You are in > manchester.com  > News > Thompson retains England hopes

Rugby Union

Thompson retains England hopes

12/11/2007

Former England hooker Steve Thompson says he still hopes to make a return to international rugby, despite being forced into retirement in April.

The 29-year-old announced he was ending his distinguished rugby union career after doctors told him he risked permanent disability or even a fatal injury if he continued playing.

Thompson damaged his neck playing for Northampton Saints against Biarritz in the Heineken Cup and at the time was not expected to play again, choosing instead to pursue a coaching career with Brive in France.

However he was given the all-clear in October and was named as an emergency replacement at the weekend for the team's European Challenge Cup match against Connacht, coming off the bench early in their 15-6 victory.

"I didn't think I was going to be ready to play until December but [head coach] Olivier Magne named me as cover," he said.

"I thought I might get on for ten minutes but I played for over an hour.

"I'd more or less accepted that I wasn't going to play again, so it's great to be back."

When asked about the possibility of returning for England, the 2003 World Cup winner added: "I never retired from international rugby and if the opportunity arises to play for England again I'd jump at it."