Jason Leonard
© Museum of Rugby, Twickenham
www.rfu.com/microsites/museum

The main sport at my school, in Barking, East London, was very much football. Everyone wanted to play for West Ham, the local team. Rugby took off under a new sports teacher who loved the game and it appealed to me immediately. I liked the idea that you could run round for 80 minutes knocking lumps out of each other.

Did you have any rugby-playing heroes?

I used to box, so I looked up to Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Why does rugby deserve to be an icon?

There is a strict code of conduct on the rugby pitch, even though it’s a physical game. You learn to respect your team-mates, the opposition and the referee. More so, I think, than in other sports where you constantly see players having a go at the referee, even though he is not going to change his decision. You never see players diving around holding their knees. If that happened, their own team would be the first to tell them to get on with the game. Playing rugby is a great way for youngsters to learn discipline and respect.

What did you enjoy most about playing the sport?

The ethos that appealed to me was that whatever happened on the pitch stayed out there. After the game, you all had a beer together. There were no recriminations. For me, that was always part of it. The game is much more professional now than when I started, so it’s all about moderation, but that spirit still exists.

How did you feel when you made your debut for England (against Argentina in 1990)?

I remember the immense pride I felt pulling on the England jersey and singing the national anthem with gusto. The game itself, which we won, went very quickly. Before I knew it, it was finished and I was in the shower. Playing for the first time at Twickenham was like having another debut because of the atmosphere and the sense of occasion.

Winning the World Cup final in Australia in 2003, against the home team, must have been amazing. Tell us about it…

I’d played in a previous World Cup final, in 1991, when we lost 12-6 to Australia, at Twickenham. It was the worst moment of my career, so to go out there and win was very special. I was a replacement but came on at the end of 80 minutes to play the whole of extra time (when Jonny Wilkinson kicked the winning drop goal). The atmosphere in the stadium was electric from minute one and the manner of winning, in extra time, was like the 1966 football World Cup.

Wasn’t there also a big celebration when you arrived home?

We had a victory parade in London. It was a freezing day and we wondered if anyone would turn up. When we pulled into Oxford Street it was just a sea of flags with St George crosses. About 750,000 people were there. The whole experience took my breath away. Even now it seems like a dream. We saw the Queen for tea and went to number 10 Downing Street.

Which teams did you love to beat?

Any of the teams from the Southern hemisphere – New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. We used to look up to those teams but I think we managed to reverse the roles. Winning against New Zealand is especially satisfying because it is a proud rugby nation with great tradition.

You hold the world record for the number of international caps. What does that mean to you?

I was never really one for statistics and records but I enjoyed every single minute of playing for England. I’m sure the record will be broken one day.

What about receiving the OBE in 1994?

To be deemed worthy of such an honour meant a lot. It brought a lump to my throat.

Apart from rugby, what is your favourite icon?

England’s home ground, Twickenham. It’s a fantastic stadium, but it’s not just about playing there, it’s the whole day. Before the game, the car parks are buzzing as friends meet up. There is never one spot of trouble. People are just there to enjoy the rugby and have a good time.

Now you’ve finally hung up your boots, what are you doing?

I’m working in construction. I’m also on the Rugby Football Union Council, which means I’m taking responsibility for the running of the game. We have a great structure in place and, after winning the World Cup, so many kids are playing. The future for the England team is very good.