Thommo: We're still on radar

Thompson: England hopes

World Cup-winner Steve Thompson believes he and his fellow exiles remain in the frame for international recalls.

"Andy Goode's call-up by England shows that we are not dropping out of sight and off the radar by playing in the Top 14. "
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Thompson is one of five English players currently plying their trade in France with Brive - with four having gain international honours.

Winger Ben Cohen was part of the England side with Thompson that won the World Cup in 2003, while fly-half Andy Goode and centre Ben Johnston have a handful of caps between them. Prop Simon Hughes is the only one not to have received a call-up.

However Goode has received a shock invite to train with England's elite performance squad in Portugal having impressed for Brive in the Top 14 and the European Challenge Cup.

Exposure

And Thompson believes that call-up proves that the international careers of Goode's team-mates are not over.

"While European rugby is very important for all of us, it is particularly important for those of us who are from abroad," Thompson continued.

"The European Challenge Cup gives us exposure and counteracts the 'out of sight, out of mind' problem we could face playing abroad.

"Andy Goode's call-up by England shows that we are not dropping out of sight and off the radar by playing in the Top 14.

"As a club the fact that we have not been playing at our best but still getting the results is testament to the quality we have built up in the side."