Woodward 'overwhelmed' by crowds

England coach Clive Woodward admitted to being “overwhelmed” by the crowds that flocked to see his World Cup-winning side on their open-top bus parade through London.

Thousands ignored the cold to pack the route along Oxford and Regents Streets to Trafalgar Square and cheer their heroes.

“I never thought I’d see a rugby team treated like this, it’s just overwhelming,” Woodward told Sky News.

The ever-unassuming Woodward was keen to deflect credit from himself and pay tribute to his players and his backroom staff.

“The players were just fantastic,” said Woodward, who has already said he wants to defend the trophy when the tournament is held in France in four years’ time.

“It’s just a big, big thanks to the people who have supported us.

“We’ve got an awesome team, they were there to give the players something very special and they took it but we’re looking forward now.”

Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal in the dying seconds of extra-time won the final for England but Woodward insisted the triumph was the product only of hard work.

He added: “I’d like to thank everyone at the RFU, the Premiership clubs. It hasn’t come by luck.

“The preparation has been fantastic and the players have taken the opportunity. You don’t get luck in this sport.”