LONDON Wasps have snapped up Herefordshire rugby star Guy Thompson - capping an exceptional year for the Jersey RFC back-row. 

Named last week on a three-man shortlist for the Championship Player of the Year Award, Thompson is back at rugby's top table, having spent two years at Gloucester RFC earlier in his career.

Thompson, a former Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat student, said: "I could never have dreamed that I would be signing for a Premiership club - I am thrilled with this opportunity.

"It’s a squad with some incredibly talented young players and it’s great to see that the coaches are not afraid to give guys without huge experience a chance to show what they can do. I can’t wait to get started.”

Dai Young -  nominated for Premiership Director of Rugby of the Year - is  one of those coaches.

And it was Thompson's attacking potential - he was top tryscorer in both his years at Jersey - that turned Young's head.

“Guy has made a lot of people sit up and take notice with his performances in the Championship this season," said Young.

"He is an explosive runner who will scare defences with his pace and power."

Read an exclusive interview with Thompson in next week's Hereford Times.