The story of England's victory against the odds in the largely overlooked 1994 Rugby World Cup final.
The 1994 World Cup final was played at Raeburn Place, the home ground of Edinburgh Academical, and the venue for the first rugby international between Scotland and France in 1871Ask most that question and most will go straight to Martin Johnson in 2003 and others might add Katy Daley-McLean in 2014.
"Depending on which of the newspaper reports you read, anywhere between 5,000-7,000 were there that day," recalled Gill Burns, who played in the final for England at number eight.Both were called the World Championship because the International Rugby Board - now known as World Rugby - did not recognise the first two editions of the tournament.
"We were so lucky to be able to fulfil that dream of going to another World Cup and facing the United States, who we knew we could beat, and we will forever be in the debt of those girls who made it happen." Giselle Mather, who played at centre in the final, was a teacher at Orleans Park School in Twickenham and remembers raffle tickets being advertised in her school assembly to help fund the travel and accommodation.
Wins over Russia and hosts Scotland in the pool stage were followed by victories over Canada and France in the knockout rounds. There was precious little time to overcome any niggles before the final."I don't remember letting myself feel achy or negative in any way."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How the new rugby Club World Cup would work and the teams involvedEuropean Professional Club Rugby - who run the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup - have revealed plans for a brand new competition
Read more »
Club World Cup no new idea as rugby looks to fill pockets againJust when you think there’s nothing that the rugby authorities can do any more that would truly surprise you, along comes the revelation that…
Read more »
An England summer exit, or target the World Cup: What next for Gareth Southgate?Southgate's eagerness to try younger players suggests he is looking towards the 2026 World Cup rather than leaving his role after the Euros
Read more »
Men's T20 World Cup: England grouped with Australia as India face Pakistan in New YorkDefending champions England have been grouped with Australia at the Men's T20 World Cup, while India will face Pakistan in New York.
Read more »
Ben Stokes pulls out of T20 World Cup in major dent to England’s hopesStokes is not injured and will be playing for Durham in the County Championship as he prioritises his Test summer
Read more »
Ben Stokes makes himself unavailable for England’s T20 World Cup title defenceIt is understood Stokes has had no setback after briefly returning to bowling last month during England’s Test tour of India.
Read more »