An Evening with Rugby World Cup 2003 Champions

What a Night!


12 players from England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup squad spent the evening at The Grosvenor Stockbridge, to wine, dine and to entertain a rugby-mad crowd with talks long on fascinating anecdotes. With so many heroes in one room it was hard to know where to look – and who to try and talk to first. As the players entered to a gladiators’ welcome, guests were transported back to a day that’s etched in our national psyche: when England secured victory over Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. It was a nail-biting match that made household names of the players, but what happened to the squad after the final whistle? 

As we learnt, many retiring from the professional game can find the world a lonely place. In Ben Cohen’s words, “You can lose your identity and suffer from depression – many players are left in the dark once those stadium lights go out”. The highs of being in a world-beating team can turn to lows once the support and adrenaline disappear. In the spirit of that 2003 win, several of the players formed Champions 2003, a charity mentoring the next generation with pathways to jobs, therapy and a skillset for life outside rugby.

The evening at The Grosvenor raised awareness and vital funds. When the players entered the dining rooms everyone rose spontaneously to their feet and cheered. One player then joined each table for dinner. Simon Henderson, rugby fan and owner of The Grosvenor, described “the whole room being in awe” when Martin Johnson talked about what it took for this band of brothers to win. “You could hear a pin drop throughout”. Immediately afterwards Lewis Moody commented that “you don’t often hear Johnno opening up like that – what we just heard was pretty special”. 

Key members of staff described their pride in organising such a memorable event, and how meaningful the fundraising efforts felt. “The Market and River Room guests were treated to a wonderfully personal evening, full of laughter”. The Q&A was chaired by Alex Payne, co-host of The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast. The smiling way the players signed a giant rugby ball outside the hotel was much appreciated by all – a red-letter day for Stockbridge High Street too. 

Over £50,000 was raised for Champions 2003 on the night.
Visit champions2003 to find out more about the work of the charity.