England have been in four Rugby World Cup finals and only won one of them. In 2003, this team was the one that did it. And this is their story in their words. The image of Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute winning drop goal is etched deep into the nation's consciousness, everyone able to recall where they were during that iconic moment on the 22nd November 2003. Twenty years on, with their achievement still unmatched, the affection and respect this band of brothers command is as great as ever. There is still no modern player as beloved as Jonny Wilkinson, no captain as celebrated and respected as Martin Johnson, and no coach as revered as Sir Clive Woodward. And there is no one with the aura and drive of Lawrence Dallaglio. In The Boys of Winter, Dallaglio and writer Owen Slot tell the definitive inside story of England's triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup through interviews with all those involved, revealing how the team planned it and executed it; the iconic memories as well as the unseen moments. But what has become of those heroes of our youth? This books also tells the story of how the tournament has shaped the lives of those involved, for better or worse. For many it was the pinnacle, for some a missed opportunity and for others a curse from which they never recovered. This is the definitive account of a legendary sporting moment and an examination of the costs of our dreams.

As a Premiership, World Cup, and Grand Slam winner, no one better embodies the charisma and the color of English rugby's greatest era than Lawrence Dallaglio. He has some story to tell, not just of the formidable exploits on the field, but an extraordinary life off it. His only sister, Francesca, was the youngest to perish in the "Marchioness" disaster and her death at 19 remains the great sadness of his life. In addition to this and his much-talked about England exploits, he also led his club Wasps to the summit of European rugby, winning two Heineken Cups and three consecutive English Premiership titles. Full of drama, controversy, and great sadness, Lawrence Dallaglio's story--the last of the great World Cup heroes--is the one every rugby fan has been waiting to read.

In RUGBY TALES, Lawrence Dallaglio recalls with affection and razor-sharp humour, the behind-the-scenes stories that have previously only been shared within the world of international rugby, together with some classics from his rugby-playing colleagues and mates. There's the one about the 2003 World Cup winner who curtseyed to the queen and another featuring the rugby legend who was affronted by the suggestion that he had been out on the town until 3 a.m. days before a crucial match. 'Don't you look at me,' he cried indignantly, 'I got in at six.' Featuring big games, bigger personalities, quick-fire banter and the odd pint or two, these are the best of the best from the legends of the dressing room, pitch and pub.

England have been in four Rugby World Cup finals and only won one of them. In 2003, this team was the one that did it. And this is their story in their words. The image of Jonny Wilkinson's last-minute winning drop goal is etched deep into the nation's consciousness, everyone able to recall where they were during that iconic moment on the 22nd November 2003. Twenty years on, with their achievement still unmatched, the affection and respect this band of brothers command is as great as ever. There is still no modern player as beloved as Jonny Wilkinson, no captain as celebrated and respected as Martin Johnson, and no coach as revered as Sir Clive Woodward. And there is no one with the aura and drive of Lawrence Dallaglio. In The Boys of Winter, Dallaglio and writer Owen Slot tell the definitive inside story of England's triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup through interviews with all those involved, revealing how the team planned it and executed it; the iconic memories as well as the unseen moments. But what has become of those heroes of our youth? This books also tells the story of how the tournament has shaped the lives of those involved, for better or worse. For many it was the pinnacle, for some a missed opportunity and for others a curse from which they never recovered. This is the definitive account of a legendary sporting moment and an examination of the costs of our dreams.