Thompson made his last Premiership appearance on New Years Day in 2007 and was initially forced to return by a neck injury. However, he famously came out of retirement whilst in France to play for Brive and regained his spot in the England team. Now a new look Thompson is looking to make an impression at Leeds Carnegie having joined on a two year contract.

He joined England colleague Hendre Fourie to launch the new home and away shirts for Leeds Carnegie at a press conference where new sponsors, the Skelwith Group, were also revealed.

Thompson, who turned 32 last week, commented, "I feel better than I have ever done and I am really looking forward to playing in the Aviva Premiership. When I met with Neil Back and Andy Key I knew this was the right club for me. Obviously I know Backy from playing alongside but I also spoke to players who had worked with Andy Key at Leicester and Bedford and they spoke very highly of him.

"I have got some big goals for the next year and I believe that Leeds Carnegie is the right place for me to do that. The attitude of the whole club is excellent and the training and fitness regime is right up there with the best around. I realise that I have to be at the top of my game to get in the 23 each week. I know Andy Titterrell well from playing against him and having been involved in England squads and I spoke to Graham Rowntree about the young front rowers coming through at Leeds that are very highly regarded at the top of the game in this country.

"I am lighter than I was the last time I played in the Premiership and I have got a fresh outlook after my time in France and having nearly seen it all taken away from me through retirement. Anyone who tells you that playing rugby is hard work is a liar. It is a brilliant job and I love doing it. When I suffered my neck injury, I accepted that my career was going to go down a different route but thankfully I got a second chance of playing again and now I have got another chance to play in the Aviva Premiership and I am very excited about the future," added Thompson.