RUGBY player Guy Thompson is proof that hard work and commitment pays off - after signing a ‘dream’ two-year deal with Premiership London Wasps.

The former Bishop’s School pupil will be rubbing shoulders with James Haskell and Christian Wade in the Adams Park dressing room next season.

The 26-year-old back-rower played for Hereford Rugby Club in National Three Midlands three years ago.

He briefly walked away from the sport before working in a city job and playing for Richmond.

But Thompson, who was born in Hereford and grew up in Bartestree, has been starring for Jersey in the Championship.

He was tracked by the England Sevens set-up last term.

“No-one can say anyone has given this to me,” said Thompson, who is back in Hereford with his mum, Rosemarie, in Aramstone Rise.

“I’ve worked harder than I ever have in my life to get back to the top of the sport.”

Thompson, who can play at seven or eight, was the top tryscorer for Jersey in both his seasons at the club. He even played twice in the centres for Jersey.

And returning to elite rugby has been Thompson’s dream since he fell out of favour with Gloucester as a youngster.

“In 12 months I want to be a regular at Wasps,” said Thompson, who has been named on a three-man shortlist for the Championship’s player of the year.

“With the way Wasps play, if I can stay injury-free, there’s no reason why I can’t carve out a starting spot.”

Thompson now plans to move to London and has been enjoying himself, testing BMW cars in Hereford this week.

He will be doing plenty of weight training in Pyramid Fitness before joining Wasps for their pre-season programme early next month.

“There are parts of my game I’ll change,” admitted Thompson, who was coached as a youngster by Steve Bradley.

“Defences are much more organised in the Premiership and you’ve got players like Hala’ufia throwing around big hits. But on some level, beating your man is just beating your man.”

The player’s ability to thrive in open play won him plaudits in Jersey.

And while other people raised the idea of him securing a Premiership deal, Thompson didn’t take it too seriously.

“People say a lot of things when you’re doing well and it doesn’t always mean that much,” he said. “But to get a contract to play in the Premiership with London Wasps is a dream come true.”

He added: “The first person I called after signing the deal was my mum.

“There’s no way I’d be where I am today without my mum.

“She raised me as a single mother, put me through school, supported me, and made sure I had everything I needed.”