Former England hooker Steve Thompson is to come out of an injury-induced retirement after signing a three-year contract with French first division side Brive.
The 29-year-old retired in April following a neck operation before joining Brive
on a coaching and consultancy basis. However, he has now being told by a specialist
in Lyon that he can resume playing the game.
"My body feels brilliant now. This offer gives me the chance to return and grow with Brive," Thompson says.
Last year’s operation looked to have brought a premature end to Thompson’s career which included 47 caps for England.
"I was 'rugbyed' out when the injury happened. But now I realise how much I've missed the game," he said. "I've looked at the players around the world at the top level and some are 34 or 35.
"I'll get on an immersion course in France, slim down a bit and then we'll see where we go. This is a chance to rediscover myself, take a new look at life.
