I'm thinking of Selling World Cup medal as it might as well be an ashtray

Anguish of rugby hero with dementia at 45

- WARREN MANGER

WINNING the Rugby World Cup for England should be the highlight of Steve Thompson's life.

But as the former hooker stares at the medal he was awarded after a 20-17 victory over Australia in 2003, all he can think about is how rugby has ruined everything.

The dad-of-four blames the sport for the disease that has left him struggling with mental illness, robbed him of family memories and pushed him to the brink of suicide.

Early onset dementia linked to head injuries means Steve cannot remember his children's names or marrying his wife of 11 years, Steph.

Revealing that he is thinking of selling his medal, Steve, 45, says: "It might as well be an ashtray.

"I don't remember anything about that World Cup. I've watched the final. It's like I'm watching a stranger.

"My eldest daughter is really into sport. She asks me if I have played in those stadiums. I suppose I must have, but I don't know. That version of me is dead.

"Winning the World Cup should have been one of the highlights of my life but I wish it never happened."

As a rugby union hooker, who won 73 caps for England and played for Northampton Saints, Leeds Carnegie, London Wasps and French team CA Brive, Steve's skull would have taken a lot of impact.