Steve Thompson

England hooker Steve Thompson joins Wasps for the 2011/12 season from Leeds Carnegie.

Thompson comes to the club with a superb club and international pedigree and is expected to play a major role on and off the field.

Thompson, who has over 60 England caps, was part of the 2003 World Cup winning England side and has played for Northampton, Brive and Leeds as well as travelling on the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand. Renowned as a fiercely physical hooker as well as an excellent leader, Thompson's tenacity and determination is summed up by his longevity in a sport from which he was once forced to retire following serious injury, only for an excellent comeback after new medical advice saw him return to the international scene.

Thompson has also represented the 2005 Lions against Argentina and in New Zealand.