Steve Thompson details early onset dementia and lost World Cup memories

England World Cup winner Steve Thompson has opened up to former team-mate Ben Youngs about his diagnosis of early onset dementia and his inability to remember the 2003 final.

The former hooker played a pivotal role in the historic campaign in Australia under Sir Clive Woodward.

However, the 46-year-old has revealed that watching footage of the victory over the Wallabies feels like watching a stranger.

Thompson discussed the impact of his diagnosis during a candid conversation with Leicester Tigers scrum-half Youngs.

Disconnect from historic triumph

Despite starting in the final against Australia, the Northampton Saints legend retains no personal recollection of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

He admitted that reviewing the game now triggers no familiarity or emotional connection to the events on the field.

“It doesn’t look like me.”

Steve Thompson speaking to Ben Youngs

The profound memory loss highlights the severe long-term effects of head impacts sustained during his career.

The wider impact on rugby

Thompson was speaking as part of the new documentary Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?, which is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

He is one of several former professionals involved in legal action against the sport’s governing bodies regarding negligence and brain injuries.

The documentary explores the risks associated with the sport and the personal toll taken on its most celebrated stars.