When did England win the Rugby World Cup?
England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, beating Australia 20-17 in the final in Sydney after extra time. Jonny Wilkinson kicked the winning drop goal in the last minute, one of the most famous moments in English sport.
England were coached by Clive Woodward and captained by Martin Johnson. They went into the tournament as one of the favorites after strong results in the years before.
The final took place on 22 November 2003 at Stadium Australia, against the host nation. The scores were level at the end of normal time.
The drop goal
With less than a minute of extra time remaining, Wilkinson kicked a drop goal with his weaker right foot to win the match. The commentary of the moment is widely remembered.
England became the first, and so far only, Northern Hemisphere team to win the men's Rugby World Cup.
Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of London for a victory parade. The team visited Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.
England have reached other finals, in 1991, 2007 and 2019, but lost them. The England women's team, the Red Roses, won the Women's Rugby World Cup in 1994, 2014 and 2025.