England’s 2003 World Cup heroes as you’ve never seen them before

Two decades on, we look back at some of the heroes of that night to see where life has taken them since their moment of glory.

The man who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup went on to coach England between 2008 and 2011, guiding them to a Six Nations title in his final year. Since stepping back from coaching, Johnson has become a respected rugby voice for the BBC and ITV. Away from rugby, he’s shown a passion for American football, even covering Super Bowls for UK audiences. Now in his fifties, the former lock remains one of English rugby’s most enduring figures.

England’s only try-scorer in the 2003 final, Robinson’s explosive pace made him a fan favourite. After retiring, he reconnected with rugby league — his first sporting home — by taking on a coaching and management role with the Jamaica national team. He’s stayed active in the sport’s community, often speaking about discipline, diversity, and faith.

That famous drop goal in Sydney defined a generation of rugby fans. After hanging up his boots, Wilkinson moved into coaching with Toulon and became one of ITV’s go-to analysts during World Cups and the Six Nations. He’s also been open about his mental health journey, inspiring others with his honesty and reflection.

Cohen’s rugby career ended with Sale Sharks, but his second act has been about activism. He founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation to combat bullying and promote LGBTQ+ inclusion, earning a place in the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame. Clinically deaf, Cohen also campaigns for accessibility in sport. Off the pitch, he’s appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, where he met his partner Kristina Rihanoff, and they now share a daughter.

Greenwood’s life after rugby has mixed media, business, and charity. He’s worked as a TV pundit, co-hosted School of Hard Knocks, and serves as Chief Customer Officer at tech firm Afiniti.

After losing his newborn son Freddie, Greenwood completed a North Pole trek that raised over £750,000 for Borne, a premature birth research charity. He remains a patron for Borne and Child Bereavement UK.

Tindall, who retired in 2014, was the last of the 2003 winners to call time on his career. His marriage to Zara Phillips in 2011 brought a royal twist to his rugby legacy, and he’s since become a familiar face at charity events and sports occasions. More recently, he’s been helping launch the R360 breakaway rugby league — a project stirring plenty of debate among fans.

Once Jonny Wilkinson’s link man, Dawson has carved out a long broadcasting career. He was a team captain on A Question of Sport for 17 years and later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity MasterChef. He continues to provide rugby analysis for the BBC and writes regular columns, staying close to the game he loves.

Known as “The Raging Bull,” Vickery retired in 2010 after a string of neck injuries. He launched his own clothing brand under that nickname and later joined Worcester Warriors as a scrum coach. A natural TV presence, he’s won Celebrity MasterChef and appeared on several reality shows. In 2015, he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire — a nod to his local and national impact.

A towering figure in English rugby, Dallaglio has been a consistent media presence since his playing days ended. He’s become one of ITV’s leading rugby pundits, known for his sharp insight and passion for the sport. Dallaglio also devotes much of his time to charity through the Dallaglio RugbyWorks foundation, helping young people at risk of exclusion find direction through rugby.

After a career that included over 70 England caps, Thompson settled in Dubai, taking on ambassador roles for children’s charities and a sports management company. In 2020, he revealed he’d been diagnosed with early-onset dementia — a moment that sparked wider conversations about player welfare. Thompson later pledged to donate his brain to science to aid research into CTE.

The relentless openside flanker moved into coaching after retirement, leading Rugby Lions to an unbeaten season and later joining Edinburgh’s staff. He stepped away from full-time coaching in 2013 but has remained a thoughtful voice on rugby development and leadership, often speaking at events and mentoring young players.

Kay enjoyed an eight-year international career before switching to punditry and governance. A familiar voice on TV rugby coverage, he’s analysed countless Premiership and international matches. Away from the camera, Kay served as a non-executive director at Leicester Tigers from 2014 to 2021, helping steer his old club through a crucial rebuilding phase.

Known for his fearless tackling, Moody retired in 2012 after over a decade with Leicester and Bath. He’s been open about living with ulcerative colitis and has used his platform for good, supporting several children’s charities. Through the Lewis Moody Foundation, he funds brain tumour research and provides memorable days for affected families. In 2025, he revealed his diagnosis with motor neurone disease — news met with immense public support.