Features
We look at the political connotations of the sport, England's success in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and catch up with star player Jason Leonard.
World Cup Final 2003
We rightly treasure our memories of the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2003 for the very good reason that England won it, in a heart-stopping final phase that saw the host nation defeated agonisingly by three points. And until 2007 at least, England remain the champions. But the 2003 World Cup was also remarkable for the global reach it gave to the game.
The Political Question
Politics and sport have always been uneasy team-mates. But rugby, possibly second only to cricket, is the game that has regularly become caught up in controversial international issues and affairs.
Interview: World Cup Hero Jason Leonard
Jason Leonard, 37, one of England’s Rugby World Cup winning heroes of 2003, won a record-breaking 114 caps for his country. Now retired, the former prop forward describes the thrill of bringing the cup home and explains why he thinks rugby is an icon.
Ten Things...
Think you know everything there is to know about rugby? How many of these can you tick off?
The Rugby League Challenge Cup
The Rugby League Challenge Cup, born in the wake of the Rugby Union-Rugby League split of 1895, is one of those great and romantic competitions which give any team in the country, however humble, the unlikely chance of ultimate victory.
