Thompson: Good to be Back with Neil

Thompson, 32, turned down several other offers to become reunited with his 2003 World Cup-winning team-mate after a spell in France with Brive.

The desire head coach Back showed as a player was evident at Headingley Carnegie last season as Leeds stayed in the top flight against the odds.

"When I spoke to Neil and (director of rugby) Andy Key I was inspired by them," said Thompson.

"When we played together for England, Backy was coaching me even then and was always one of the leaders.

"He took hold of us and he led from the front.

"He's changed slightly from his playing days but he's still got that ferocious drive and ambition.

"Just look at what he achieved last year with Leeds.

"A lot of people class success as winning silverware but the fact that Leeds stayed up was a tremendous feat.

"The way they were playing for each towards the end of the season, and digging in deep, was something special and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."

Leeds' survival exploits marked the successful completion of phase two in three-year plan.

The target for the 2010/11 Aviva Premiership campaign is to secure a top-six finish and qualify for the Heineken Cup.

And with the World Cup on the horizon next year, Thompson could hardly have a greater incentive to perform at the peak of his powers.

The former Northampton man, who will compete with former England team-mate Andy Titterrell for the role of first-choice hooker, is relishing the challenge.

Thompson is looking in fine shape, weighing in at around 17st 7lb, a far cry from the 22st he ballooned to after injury forced him into retirement for a period in 2007.

"I've worked so hard to get myself fit and I'm enjoying keeping the weight off now," said Thompson.

"After getting to 22st, I swore I'd never get to that weight again.

"I'm actually more nervous about coming back to play in the Premiership than I was going to France because there is so much to play for.

"It's a new chapter and I have some big goals ahead of me this season both at club and international level.

"I could hide out when I was in France and it made life a little bit easier.

"But coming back to the Premiership, I know that I will be judged more closely and will have to play the best rugby I can every single week."

Thompson and Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie were recently named in Martin Johnson's 32-man Elite Player Squad.

Although Fourie's involvement in England's summer tour was minimal because of injury, Thompson was prominent.

He was part of the England side which beat Australia 21-20 in Sydney to secure the Red Rose's first Test win in the southern hemisphere for seven years and a first Tri-Nations scalp since 2007.

The result encouraged hopes England are finally heading in the right direction under Johnson after a bitterly disappointing performance in the autumn internationals and RBS Six Nations.

Thompson said: "This summer was one of the best tours I've ever been on, both on and off the field.

"There was a mixture of young and old players and everyone blended together really well.

"That second Test against Australia showed how far we have moved forward but following it up in the autumn internationals is a massive challenge now."

Thompson was speaking at a press conference at Headingley Carnegie to announce Yorkshire property investment company Skelwith Group as Leeds' main sponsor for the 2010-11 season.