And what a surge of interest this result has brought to the game. Wall-to-wall TV and newspaper coverage, a scrum at Heathrow as fans waited to welcome the team home, a proposed reception at No 10 (from a government not particularly noted for its support of sport, particularly of the oval ball variety) and a tickertape parade through the capital. At my local park on Saturday afternoon, I saw more mini-Jonny Wilkinson wannabes practising their kicking technique than Beckham wannabes.
And why not? As a game I believe rugby has much to offer young people.
For a start there's the opportunity for everybody, male and female, whatever their size, shape or physique, to get involved. You don't have to be the fastest runner or the strongest kicker to contribute in what is (as Saturday's event showed) the ultimate team game. If you're small but solid you'll fit in the scrum; likewise if you're tall. Small and nippy - perfect for a scrum half. Good at catching - try full back.
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