Rugby fans across the country will remember exactly where they were the moment Jonny Wilkinson kicked a last-minute drop goal to secure England Rugby’s first ever Rugby World Cup victory.
And on Wednesday November 22 – exactly 20 years to the day of that dramatic final – all 31 members of England Rugby’s 2003 Rugby World Cup squad will reunite for the first time, to look back on the campaign and share their own personal highlights and memories.
The exclusive one-night-only event World Cup Winners: The 2003 England Rugby Squad Reunion, at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, will see all the England Rugby heroes, led by captain Martin Johnson, back together for the very first time since their Homecoming Parade and Reception with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, as they tell the story behind that incredible victory.
Tickets will go on general sale at 10am Friday August 04 from www.cuffeandtaylor.com
The 2003 Rugby World Cup final, played at Stadium Australia in Sydney, was won in dramatic fashion when – with just 28 seconds remaining on the clock at the end of extra time – Jonny Wilkinson kicked England to a 20-17 lead to beat the Aussies in their own backyard.
Recalling the greatest moment in the history of English rugby with members of the squad stood alongside him, captain Martin Johnson said: “Twenty years ago we as an England Squad had a life changing experience in winning the Rugby World Cup for our country.
“It’s fantastic to get the opportunity for all 31 of us to reunite in the same room together to celebrate our achievement. When you’re all together you have that feeling you had then. It was special that group.”
The reunion will give fans the opportunity to hear live first-hand experiences of the personal stories of brilliant individuals coming together and learn how they played their own crucial role within the squad to win the Rugby World Cup for their country.
The squad will reflect on the incredible team bond and psychology of winning to becoming the best in the world when it mattered most, while also sharing the funniest moments and behind-the-scenes stories of what happened before, during and after their famous Rugby World Cup Win.
Hosting the event will be former England international, TV Presenter and stalwart of Rugby World Cup coverage, Martin Bayfield.
Rugby Football Union CEO, Bill Sweeney, said: “It’s hard to imagine a sports fan anywhere who doesn’t have the 2003 Rugby World Cup win etched firmly in their memory.
“As the first time the entire team has been together since that win, this really will be a unique event and we wish each and every one of our former players all the best for the anniversary event.”
World Cup Winners: The 2003 England Rugby Squad Reunion is presented by Cuffe and Taylor.
Director of Theatre Touring Ben Hatton said: “Those final seconds of the 2003 Rugby World Cup made for a classic moment in sporting history, and we are delighted to offer fans a chance to relive some of the magic created by the 31-member squad. This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for rugby fans to celebrate their heroes and share in the nostalgia, so don’t miss out.”
For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.cuffeandtaylor.com