The New Year’s Honours list saw the entire England squad recognised for their tremendous sporting year.
England Head Coach Clive Woodward (pictured) received a Knighthood for services to rugby union and paid tribute to everyone who contributed to England becoming World Champions in Sydney, 36 of whom were also honoured.
Clive Woodward said, “It is a tribute to every member of the squad, the coaches, management and the Zurich Premiership clubs who have all made a significant contribution to our success. “The honours the squad have been awarded are richly deserved. I’d also like to thank my wife Jayne and my children for their fantastic support.”
Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Francis Baron, who was awarded the OBE, said, “I am delighted to accept this honour on behalf of the whole of the RFU as a testament to everyone who has worked so hard, staff and volunteers alike, for the success of the England squad and the game of rugby union.
“Clive and his squad have produced an outstanding end to the calendar year for English rugby. The support of the Zurich Premiership clubs has been invaluable and a successful partnership has been forged with them. Attendances are up at Zurich Premiership club games and I was pleased that a sell out crowd gave the squad the welcome they deserved in December at Twickenham, at the airport and the victory parade.”
RFU President Robert Horner said, “The additional interest in rugby union resulting from the World Cup success has been phenomenal, and these merited awards will serve to retain that enthusiasm on which we seek to build.”
Graeme Cattermole, Chairman of the RFU Management Board, added, “The awards are an acknowledgement of the RWC win but also for a tremendous season for the England rugby team. The effect of the win is already showing signs of being a very positive one on the game at all levels in England. I have been hugely encouraged by the reports of more and more children attending coaching sessions around the country and we must ensure that we maintain the increased level of interest in the game, which will have significant benefits for the sport at both the community and elite levels.”
