England’s World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson has praised the growing influence of Emiratis on the UAE rugby scene.

Thompson, 35, won 73 international caps during a stellar career in which he performed a leading role as his nation lifted the sport’s grandest prize in 2003.

Since retiring for a second time in 2011, he has spent the last two years living in the Middle East. Speaking at the UAE Rugby Annual Awards, Thompson commended the way the expat and local communities are working together to develop the game.

“The rugby is starting to grow here,” the former Northampton and Brive forward said.

“It is all about rugby culture, and I am really happy that the Emiratis are starting to really buy into it.

“Every country you ever go to has a rugby club. They bring people together, and that is what the rugby family is about.

“It will only get better and better. I hope the Emiratis continue to really back it.”

Thompson stays in touch with the UAE rugby community through his friendships with a number of teachers.

He believes the schools’ success when playing high-calibre visiting teams proves there are plenty of exciting young players in the UAE.

He added: “Rugby has definitely grown during my time out here. A lot of my friends are teachers at schools, and I have been to see some of the games. You can really see they play at quite a high quality. Some of the English private schools come over, and they get beaten.

“That surprised me at first, but you see there there is such a community of rugby here. The weather is great and the kids love it – there is a real sports culture and I am glad rugby is thriving here.”

Thompson was joined at the awards by international referee, and former Ireland scrum-half, Alain Rolland.

The former Leinster player believes moves made over the last few years to introduce rugby into Emirati schools will help the game grow here.

He said: “Some will enjoy it and some won’t but giving them the option to try it and to play it at least they can make the decision themselves.”

The UAE also recently got its first qualified local referee as Jasim Al Suwaidi completed his IRB Level 1 badge and Rolland believes that too is a positive step.

“There are many different areas that have to be looked at to grow the sport,” he added.

“Games can’t be played without referees. With my referee cap on it’s an element that should be encouraged and it’s also a great opportunity for people who feel they cannot make it on the playing side.”