Thompson gamble pays off as England come knocking

STEVE THOMPSON’S £500,000 gamble paid off handsomely today after he was named as England’s starting hooker to face Australia at Twickenham.

The World Cup winner last donned the England number two jersey in 2006 before he underwent neck surgery and was warned by medics to quit the game or risk paralysis.

Thompson cashed his £500,000 (€550,000) insurance cheque, took up a coaching role at Brive and tucked into the French lifestyle as he ballooned to nearly 22 stone.