Victory parade for World Cup champs

England’s World Cup winning rugby players will take part in a victory parade through the streets of London, the Rugby Football Union announced tonight.

Thousands of fans are expected to turn out to see star kicker Jonny Wilkinson and his team-mates with the William Webb Ellis Trophy when they tour the capital in two open topped buses on Monday December 8.

The event will culminate in an audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and a reception with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the RFU said.