By the time England won the World Cup in 2003, Steve Thompson was being hailed as the best hooker in the world, a long way since playing in the back-row when he first signed up to the Saints Academy in 1997. Former Saints coach Ian McGeechan persuaded him to give being a hooker a go and the rest is history. In fact Steve made his debut for England against his former mentor’s side Scotland and the men in white came out on top. Did Geech rue that decision we wonder?

Steve, better known as Wally care of his step-father's surname - Walter - he used as he grew up, played in his first game for Saints against Fylde in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Cup in his first season.

He had to wait a little before making his mark for Saints last season due to the rest for England’s Lions players honoured by the club. When he did come back though, it was at flanker, and was not a popular decision among rugby’s written press. Steve, however, loved the run around that helped ease him back into club life. It is also gave him the freedom to pop up for a try at Kingsholm in front of a none too impressed Gloucester crowd.

The fact Steve, club captain last season and at the end of 2004/05, had played little rugby at hooker in the first few weeks of the Premiership season did not bother England coach Andy Robinson, however, and he still selected him for the autumn internationals and the Six Nations squads.

Steve played in 22 games for Saints last season, on top of his international commitments, and scored three Saints tries. He has also opted to rest for England’s two-game tour to Australia to recharge his batteries for this season.

Steve hit the ground running in 2006/07 and by mid-season was in line for an England recall having played 16 matches and scoring five tries. But a neck injury suffered in the Heineken Cup Pool Six finale against Biarritz not only ended his season early and required an operation but also forced Steve to call time on his career after 195 appearances, one Heineken Cup and 28 tries.