Dave Thompson’s future uncertain

Press, 7 May 1980, Page 38

Dave Thompson’s future uncertain

By KEVIN McMENAMIN It will not be until after X-rays of his back are taken next week that Dave Thompson will know if he is going to be able to play any rugby this winter. Thompson, who was favoured to succeed Alex Wyllie as the Canterbury 8, and also, perhaps, as the provincial captain, was seriously injured in a tree-fel-ling accident on April 11, the day before the senior competition started. The accident occurred on the Sefton farm of another Canterbury forward, John Ashworth. Thompson was chopping down a tree for firewood when .he was struck from behind by a branch and knocked unconscious. Recalling the incident yesterday, Thompson said that he had been so busy watching the trunk of the tree, that the branch, which he suspects might have got tangled in some overgrowth, had caught him unawares.

Thompson spent two weeks in hospital. The muscles and ligaments of his back and neck had taken a battering and he was unable to turn his head. However, hydrotherapy has largely corrected these problems and it is a question now of seeing if any bones were broken. Thompson said he was very lucky to . escape as lightly as he had. “If the point of impact had been slightly one way or the other I could have really been in trouble,” he said. His excellent physical condition, helped, no doubt, by his occupation as a drainlaying contractor, has stood him in good stead. In addition, he said that he had trained very hard for rugby this year and was fitter than he had ever been. “If the X-rays are okay I might be able to play this season, but it will depend on what the medical advice is.” said Thompson, who at 28 could well’ prove an ideal.

Canterbury captain until a strong younger candidate emerges. Thompson has been in the Canterbury side since 1974, first as a lock and then as a side-row forward who proved most adept at playing the tight-loose role. He has played the occasional game at No. 8 in Wyllie’s absence, but has plenty of experience in the position for his Belfast club. Like every other player with aspirations of Canterbury selection this year, Thompson has his heart set on being a party to the province’s Ranfurly Shield challenge. “I am hopeful of being available for selection later in the season, but first of all I would have to get back into club rugby and prove my fitness to the selectors. “If the doctors clear me then I will certainly give it a try,” said Thompson with the same sense of determination that has always been a hallmark of his play.