The Northern Rugby Podcast - Episode 8 - Matt Thompson

Darren (no Pete this week) chats with Newcastle Falcons most capped Hooker Matt Thompson. Matt talks us through what it was like joining the Newcastle Falcons academy at a time when his Father Dave Thompson had just purchased the club. We discuss Matt's early years at the Falcons, including his debut in a heavy defeat down in Newport in the Heineken Cup, and being thrown in the deep end during his first season due to an injury crisis. We also discuss the Falcons 2004 Powergen Cup Final win, in one of the best cup finals in modern memory. Matt also tells us what it was like to represent to England Saxons and win the Churchill Cup on home soil. He also tells us why despite a heavy defeat, the Heineken Cup QF defeat to Stade Francais is one of his best memories at the Falcons. After helping the Falcons to win promotion back to the Premiership in 2013, Matt went to ply his trade with Ealing before finishing off with Blaydon RFC back in the North East. We also discuss Matt's venture into boxing and what he's doing with himself in retirement.