‌Of course, perhaps the most memorable enounter between the two sides came back in 2003, when England - then led by Sir Clive Woodward - were crowned world champions at the Rugby World Cup in Australia. He has since been inundated with support from across the rugby world, with his inspiring bravery leaving some of his former teammates in tears. He is one of over 1,000 former rugby players to have joined a concussion lawsuit against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union, having publicly admitted he wishes he had never played the sport. Also part of that same lawsuit is Phil Vickery, who started alongside Thompson in the front row in the final. ‌[Winning a Rugby World Cup] doesn’t keep you for the rest of your life.

Source: The Times November 01, 2025 17:31 UTC