Steve Thompson MBE

Steve Thompson MBE – Rugby World Cup Winner, Former England Hooker & Mental Health Advocate

Introduction

Steve Thompson MBE is a former England rugby star and World Cup-winning hooker, best known for his role in the legendary 2003 Rugby World Cup final. Representing his country with pride, he earned over 70 caps for England and was a key player for the British & Irish Lions. Since retiring, Steve has become a leading voice on player welfare and mental health, sharing his powerful personal story to inspire change.

Speaking Topics

Mental Health & Resilience in High-Pressure Environments
Leadership Lessons from Professional Rugby
Overcoming Adversity and Life After Sport
Teamwork and Peak Performance
Building Awareness Around Brain Health and Dementia

Credentials & Impact

Steve Thompson’s rugby career spanned over a decade at the highest level, where he was a vital member of the England squad under Sir Clive Woodward. His crowning moment came in 2003, when he helped England secure a historic victory against Australia in the Rugby World Cup final, lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Beyond his international career, Steve played over 200 matches for Northampton Saints, establishing himself as one of the world’s top hookers. He represented the British & Irish Lions on their 2005 tour and was known for his physicality, leadership, and competitive drive.

Following his retirement, Steve faced major health challenges, including a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, which he has spoken about courageously. His openness has sparked global conversations about player safety, concussion, and well-being in sport. Today, Steve uses his platform to advocate for better protection for athletes and greater awareness around mental health and brain injuries, making him a powerful voice both on and off the pitch.

Publications & Media

Steve Thompson shared his remarkable journey in his memoir “Unforgettable”, which details his rise to the top of world rugby, the triumph of 2003, and his ongoing battles with memory loss and mental health. He is a regular contributor to rugby coverage on outlets like BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and ITV Rugby, and his advocacy work has been widely featured in The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Times. Steve has also taken part in hard-hitting documentaries on player welfare, making his story resonate far beyond rugby audiences.

Why book Steve Thompson?

Steve Thompson MBE is an extraordinary speaker who blends sporting triumph with deep, personal insight. His experience as a Rugby World Cup winner, combined with his advocacy for mental health and brain health, makes him uniquely inspiring. Audiences benefit from his honesty, resilience, and determination to spark change in sport and society, making him a standout choice for conferences, corporate events, and wellbeing programmes.

To book Steve Thompson to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.