Sponsored by
Thompson looking to drive Leeds Carnegie forward
HAVING just completed Route 66, England hooker Steve Thompson is gearing up for another major journey as he returns to the Aviva Premiership with Leeds Carnegie.
The World Cup winner has spent part of the summer cruising across the legendary American highway on his motorbike, fulfilling one lifelong dream, but believes working his way into the Yorkshire side will be no easy ride.
Thompson, 32, linked up with Leeds for the first time yesterday having joined on a two-year deal from French club Brive and accepts he will have to prove himself all over again despite his high profile.
Neil Back's side may have only just survived in the Premiership last season but the
ex-Northampton star admitted: "The way they were playing for each other towards the end of the season, and digging in deep, was something special.
"I'm looking forward to being a part of that but it's going to be really hard to break into it because they're a solid unit and there's some great players here.
"However, when I do it will make it all the more of an achievement and I can't wait to get started."
Despite his modesty, Thompson's experience and class will be crucial as Leeds attempt to build momentum on the back of last season's heroics, with a top-six place their target.
He will challenge former England team-mate Andy Titterrell for the hooking role and is relishing the prospect of returning to the Premiership for the first time since January 2007.
Thompson retired due to a serious neck injury that April but – after a second opinion – made his comeback with Brive in November of the same year, operating in the physical French Championship since.
"I'm actually more nervous about coming back to play in the Premiership than I was going to France because there is so much to play for," he said.
"It's a new chapter and I have some big goals ahead of me this season both at club and international level.
"I could hide out when I was in France and it made life a little bit easier.
"But coming back to the Premiership, I know that I will be judged more closely and will have to play the best rugby I can every single week."
Thompson revealed the passion of Back, a team-mate when they won the World Cup together in 2003, was crucial in his decision to turn down more illustrious offers and head north to Headingley.
"When I spoke to Neil and (director of rugby) Andy Key I was inspired by them," he said.
"When we played together for England, Backy was coaching me even then and was always one of the leaders.
"He took hold of us and he led from the front.
"He's changed slightly from his playing days but he's still got that ferocious drive and ambition.
"Just look at what he achieved last year with Leeds; a lot of people class success as winning silverware but the fact that Leeds stayed up was a tremendous feat and I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty here."
Thompson featured in the England side which beat Australia in Sydney this summer, the first time they have enjoyed a win in the southern hemisphere since that famous 2003 night.
He has been named in Martin Johnson's 32-man Elite Player Squad and hopes to add to his 54 caps while impressing with Leeds, who yesterday announced Yorkshire property investment company Skelwith Group as their main sponsor for the 2010-11 season.
The British Lion – having slimmed down to 17st 7lbs after once touching 22 stone during his injury torment – believes his scrummaging and footballing skills have both improved following his spell in the tough environment of French rugby and said: "I feel better than I ever have done.
"I am lighter than I was the last time I played in the Premiership and I've got a fresh outlook after my time in France having nearly seen it all taken away from me through retirement.
"Anyone who tells you that playing rugby is hard work is a liar. It is a brilliant job and I love doing it."
Meanwhile, he believes the England squad is improving under Johnson after the dire rugby produced last autumn and at the Six Nations.
"This summer was one of the best tours I've ever been on, both on and off the field," Thompson insisted.
"There was a mixture of young and old players and everyone blended together really well.
"That second Test against Australia showed how far we have moved forward but following it up in the autumn internationals is a massive challenge now."
SUMMER ARRIVALS AT hEADINGLEY
Position Signed from
Lachlan MacKay fly-half/centre Brive
Steve Thompson hooker Brive
Miguel Alonso prop Viadana
Sean Hohneck lock Viadana
Christian Lewis-Pratt fly-half Northampton
Jesus Moreno Rodriguez prop Spain
Daniel Browne flanker Bath
Michael Stephenson wing Bath
Semi Tadulala wing Gloucester
James Tincknell wing Wharfedale
Warren Fury scrum-half Wasps
Email to a friend
Print this page- Three-inch blanket of snow heading our way today
- Alan Shearer in list of favourites for Leeds and England jobs: Latest odds
- Barnsley’s Keith Hill invokes Fawlty Towers over link with Leeds job
- McCormack feels United search can be narrowed down
- Redfearn throws down gauntlet as queue builds at Elland Road
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -8 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
