Dean Richards accused England of cheating at 2003 Rugby World Cup, Sir Clive responds
Today at 03:41 PM
Dean Richards has ignited a firestorm of controversy, accusing England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad of using fake blood to cheat.
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However, Sir Clive Woodward, the mastermind behind England’s 2003 triumph, quickly dismissed the claims as “absolute nonsense.”
Richards, whose own career was tarnished by his role in the 2009 Harlequins fake blood scandal, suggested that faking injuries to gain an advantage was common practice in rugby at the time. While not part of England's World Cup-winning squad, Richards insists he was told by a member of the 2003 team that such tactics were widespread.
In a document revealed by a talkSPORT documentary, Richards explained: "The use of fake blood, cutting players, re-opening wounds, feigning injury in the front row, jabbing players with anaesthetic all occur regularly throughout the game."
He even referenced the 2003 World Cup, with former RFU head of discipline Jeff Blackett noting in a report that Richards claimed, “England used faked blood” during the tournament.
Richards, a 48-cap England international, was at the helm of Harlequins during the 2009 scandal, where wing Tom Williams used a blood capsule from a joke shop to simulate an injury in a match against Leinster.
However, Sir Clive Woodward, who guided England to World Cup glory in 2003, was quick to slam the accusations. “This is simply not true,” Woodward said. “I have never been involved in anything like this. It is ridiculous.”
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What England's 2003 Rugby World Cup Heroes Look Like Today – Some Have Undergone Major Transformations
Take a look at how some of the key players look now:
Phil Vickery
A former Gloucester and London Wasps prop, Phil Vickery called time on his career at the end of the 2010 Premiership season. The two-time British & Irish Lion was a revered opponent across the world, and has since started a successful clothing brand ‘Raging Bull’, with his on-field nickname. Vickery was forced into retirement due to a series of neck injuries, and in 2012 he joined Worcester Warriors as their Scrum Coach.
Vickery has also tried his hand at sports broadcasting, as he was apart of the commentary team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. His on-screen appearances have also been witnessed across a variety of TV shows, including ‘Celebrity MasterChef’, which he won in 2011. An eternal fan favourite at Kingsholm Stadium, Vickery was appointed the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2015.
Jonny Wilkinson
Renowned for his iconic drop-goal that secured victory against Australia in the 2003 final, Wilkinson transitioned into a coaching role with Toulon, focusing on kicking and skills development following his retirement. He also now works as a pundit for ITV Sport during Rugby World Cup’s and the Six Nations.
Will Greenwood
Greenwood continued to shine on the international stage following the 2003 glory, and went on to represent the British & Irish Lions for their 2005 tour to New Zealand. He ended his career at Harlequins in 2006, and soon gave his experienced views through analysis and punditry. Greenwood co-hosted the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ TV series with former Wales international Scott Quinnell, and was an on-screen analyst for ITV as England reached the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Will has also explored opportunities away from rugby, and is the current Chief Customer Officer for data and software company Afiniti’s London office. Greenwood’s family was struck with tragedy, after his son Freddie died just 45 minutes after being born. The former England centre underwent an inspirational walk to the North Pole in memory of his son, and helped to raise over £750,000 for Borne’s research. Greenwood is a patron of Borne, who are a medical research charity that work with cases of premature birth. He is also a patron of Child Bereavement UK, which is a charity that support parents who have lost a child.
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