Sir Clive Woodward responds to claims his England side used 'fake blood'
Rugby NewsSaturday, 01 January 2022 at 12:07
Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward has rejected claims that his 2003 side cheated during their Rugby World Cup success.
In a document, uncovered by a documentary on talkSPORT , Former Harlequins and current Newcastle boss Dean Richards said: “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.”
Richard's first made his assertion in a confidential meeting with the Rugby Football Union at the time of the Bloodgate crisis 10 years ago.
Richards’ observation noted: “Rugby World Cup 2003. England used faked blood to manage replacements.”
When asked how he knew, Richards indicated he was informed by a person in the England squad.
Woodward, writing in The Times, has refuted the claims that his 2003 heroes were involved in a similar practice.
“We won every match in Australia. Why would we want to cheat? This is simply not true.
“I am not sure why Dean raised this. I have never been involved in anything like this. It is ridiculous."
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15. Josh Lewsey - possibly single
Most recently known to have dated British Winter Olympic gold medalist Amy Williams in 2012 but it didn't work out.
14. Jason Robinson - Sian Griffin
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13. Will Greenwood - Caroline Greenwood
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12. Mike Tindall - Zara Phillips
In 2010, it was announced that Tindall was engaged to Zara Phillips, only daughter of Anne, Princess Royal and the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. The couple, who now have two daughters, first met during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
11. Ben Cohen - Kristina Rihanoff
The winger was married to Abby Blayney in 2003, and has twin daughters with her, whom they named Harriette and Isabelle. The couple were estranged since 2014, and divorced in March 2016. In January 2016 it was announced, his former Strictly Come Dancing dance partner and now girlfriend, Kristina Rihanoff, have had their first child together, a daughter named Milena.
10. Jonny Wilkinson - Shelley Jenkins
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9. Matt Dawson - Carolin Hauskeller,
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1. Trevor Woodman - Unknown
2. Steve Thompson
He married wife Fiona after he proposed to her the morning after the World Cup final. He was later reported to have a French girlfriend named Esther during his time in France with Toulon.
3. Phil Vickery - Kate
Vickery is married to vet Kate and they have two children. Enjoys nothing more than walking her dog and feeding the ducks in the local pond.
4. Martin Johnson - Kay Johnson
5. Ben Kay - Virginia
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6. Richard Hill - Unknown
7. Neil Back - Alison Back
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8. Lawrence Dallaglio
Former model and art student Alice has been with Lawrence for 23 years and they have three children. Their relationship was tested during the 2003 World Cup when Alice embarked on an affair with a friend of Lawrence's. However, they reconciled and got married in 2005.
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