 Thompson is eager to sample a different lifestyle |
Northampton hooker Steve Thompson wants to join French outfit Brive, Saints owner Keith Barwell has told BBC Sport. "Steve has informed us he would like to move to Brive," Barwell said.
"We've reminded Steve he's contracted for another two-and-a-half years and we don't want him to go. We haven't had any contact from Brive yet anyway."
Thompson, 28, joined the Northampton academy as a back-row forward in 1987 before switching to hooker and going on to win 47 England caps.
He met officials at Brive recently, is currently learning French and says he is eager to sample a different way of life.
"Obviously I want to go out there and prove myself, but it is the whole lifestyle as well," he said.
"I've openly said I will never go to another Premiership club. The Saints is the club that I've always played for and, hopefully, the only club I play for in England."