Steve Thompson has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a neck injury.
Northampton hooker Steve Thompson will miss the rest of the season because of a neck injury.The Saints hooker has not played since the Heineken Cup clash with Biarritz on January 21.
He was initially advised to take an extended rest but will now undergo surgery to correct the problem.
After missing England's first two RBS Six Nations matches, Thompson has now been ruled out of the World Cup at the start of next season.
Head coach Paul Grayson said: "We are all so disappointed for Steve and we will be working hard with him to help his recovery.
"We look forward to his invaluable support behind the scenes while he recuperates."
