World Cup-winner Steve Thompson, a former rugby player, has had his life significantly impacted by a diagnosis of early onset dementia.
The former England hooker was among the earliest rugby players to file a legal claim for compensation against the sport’s governing body, alleging that he had suffered permanent brain damage as a result of playing the game.”
A key cog in Sir Clive Woodward’s 2003 World Cup-winning side, Thompson has revealed the 20th anniversary of the historic triumph.
He wrote on Twitter: “Hard to believe 2023 marks 20 years since I was lucky enough to be one of those bringing home the RWC from Australia. I wish I could remember it.
“Please start 2023 by following @ProgressiveRug and help us push for solutions to better protect the future of players and the game.”
Latest interview:
“I don’t get goosebumps with the World Cup, but when I meet up with my old mates and we talk about the East Midlands Under-19s, which I can remember, I get them. I get all excited about that,” Thompson told Standard Sport.
“But England, it’s just not there. Even when I pick out my England caps, it’s as though they’re someone else’s. There’s no log that goes with them to make the emotion. I start thinking, ‘I should do, I should [remember that]’, but there’s nothing tied to them at all.
“Whereas for Christmas I’m going to get a Commodore 64 — and I’m so excited about it, the nostalgia.
“I’ve got that big chunk of my twenties that just isn’t there, then my thirties are just slowly starting to disappear. The Seventies and the Eighties, I really love the music. My kids, bless them, are going to live in a time warp, I think!
“Last Christmas was brilliant, because Steph completely planned it. The Christmas before that had been a complete nightmare. We still didn’t really know how to cope with what was going on, how to cope with me. And then I ended up just falling apart, that’s when my memory starts really going.
“So, last year, we sat down and worked out what we would do. I love my cooking, but Steph said, ‘Look, rather than you doing the big meal on Christmas Day, we’ll just do finger food all day’.
“First thing in the morning, get up, open the presents, build the toys, have bacon butties, we played for a bit and then I went and had a sleep. If I don’t have a nap, then, as the day goes on, I get worse, especially when emotions are heightened.
“Then Boxing Day is all about the dinner, we stay in our onesies, it’s our little bubble and it works really well.”
England’s player ratings from 2003 World Cup final revealed
This is how the BBC rated Sir Clive Woodward’s England stars following their nail-biting 20-17 win against Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.
Josh Lewsey: Again proved his worth in the number 15 jersey. Made some dynamic runs and kept the pressure on the Aussie midfield. 7
Jason Robinson: Always looked dangerous with the ball. Had little chance stopping Australia’s try, but did his job at the other end touching down. 8
Will Greenwood: Handled the ball well with some creative touches and put in some big tackles but ultimately failed to shine. 6
Mike Tindall: More direct than creative, but did the job he was asked to do. Produced a vital clearance in the second half before making way for Mike Catt. 7
Ben Cohen: Worked tirelessly off the ball and did little wrong. Was given little opportunity to show his class with the ball. 6