England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winners reunited at The Dorchester for the Champions 2003 Foundation's annual dinner, and a live painting in gold leaf marked the night.
England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winners came back together at The Dorchester in Mayfair on Friday 14 November 2025 for the Champions 2003 Foundation’s annual charity dinner.
England beat Australia 20-17 in the 2003 final in Sydney, settled by a Jonny Wilkinson drop goal in extra time. The winning squad later formed the Champions 2003 Foundation to support former players once the game ends.
The average English playing career ends before the age of 34. About 70 per cent do not finish on their own terms, through injury or a contract that is not renewed.
The foundation works with Switch the Play, the only British charity dedicated to helping sportspeople build a life beyond sport.
The squad dined at the same hotel on 3 November 2024. That weekend the players lifted the trophy again at Allianz Stadium, at half-time in England’s match against New Zealand. The two dinners raised more than £800,000 between them.
All 31 members of the squad were in the room in 2025. The artist Ben Mosley painted a live tribute to the victory in 24-carat gold leaf in front of the players, and the finished piece has since sold.