England legend Phil Vickery has been reacting to the news that his former teammate Steve Thompson plans to sue World Rugby over negligence.
The front-rower, who teamed up with the hooker to help England win the 2003 Rugby World Cup, has revealed that this situation was inevitable.
“I’d love to say I’m surprised and I was shocked, but sadly this has been rumbling and the noises have been around this for a little while,” revealed Vickery to Talk Sport.
“I kind of knew it was coming, which is sad. To be honest I actually felt emotional, not just for Steve Thompson, but for the other guys because [it’s] people you played with and against.
“Steve and his family, knowing him, I’ve been through some special times with the guy and it’s worrying.”
He added: “If you ask my wife, does she want my son to play? The answer is absolutely 100 per cent ‘no’ because she’s seen what it’s done to me. But that’s mums and their boys.
“There is a balance. What I’d love is for us to be honest and be honest about the real impacts of it. It’s not going to go away. Let’s deal with it in the right way.
“We talk about the values of my sport – honesty and integrity – well let’s have some honesty and some of that is going to hurt.
“They are not going to be some nice conversations, but let’s have them, let’s sort them out and let’s lead the way.”
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12. Mike Tindall – Zara Phillips
In 2010, it was announced that Tindall was engaged to Zara Phillips, only daughter of Anne, Princess Royal and the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. The couple, who now have two daughters, first met during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
11. Ben Cohen – Kristina Rihanoff
The winger was married to Abby Blayney in 2003, and has twin daughters with her, whom they named Harriette and Isabelle. The couple were estranged since 2014, and divorced in March 2016. In January 2016 it was announced, his former Strictly Come Dancing dance partner and now girlfriend, Kristina Rihanoff, have had their first child together, a daughter named Milena.
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