Thompson to strike a blow for ‘fat boys’

STEVE THOMPSON will strike a blow for the “fat boys” of rugby when he lines up for England in the World Cup final against Australia.

The Northampton star was transformed five years ago from an ordinary club flanker into an extraordinary international hooker by his club coach, Scotland's Ian McGeechan.

For the last 18 months he has been the spearhead of England's formidable front row. On Saturday, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy at the Telstra stadium would complete a remarkable journey for Thompson taking him from obscurity to what he considers the most elite club in the world the World Cup-winning front row.