Lydia Thompson

Profile

Starting in the pack has proved no barrier to Lydia Thompson moving not only into the backs but playing on the wing and scoring six tries in her first three Test matches in the FIRA-AER European Cup at Rovereto, Italy in May. She ran in a hat trick of tries on her debut against Spain with two of her tries coming in the space of four minutes.

Lydia also crossed the Italy line in the second game that her side won 32-8 and then added two in the 29-25 victory over France in the final that culminated in her stunning match winner from a 60-metre run in injury time.

She had previously played Sevens for England and is in her first year of three studying for a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy at Derby University and is also a part time swimming teacher in Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

Her first rugby experience was at the age of 11 in the South Staffordshire Tag tournament for Blakeley Heath Primary School. She later attended Ounsdale High in Wombourne and King Edward VI College in her home town of Stourbridge.

She played for the local club, based in Stourton, from 2004-06, played at age group level for Worcester before stepping up to the senior squad at Sixways two years ago. She said: “Tom Cowdale, an England Deaf player, is my coach and mentor, along with my father Keith, who played National League basketball and ran for Birchfield Harriers.

I have also been inspired by Worcester’s coaches and first team players.”

Lydia’s memorable rugby event was playing in last year’s Amsterdam Sevens final in which she scored a long range try in the final against Canada. She admires Sonny Bill Williams and Chris Ashton “for their combination of speed, strength, footwork and their ability to change a game.”

One of five uncapped players in the starting side for the England XV match against France on Marseille on November 2 2011, she had the delight of scoring a second half try in her side’s 14-5 defeat.

Last updated: May 21, 2012

Related news