LONDON - England's rugby union squad arrived back in London today following their World Cup final defeat to South Africa, looking weary but voicing pride in their achievement.
The squad flew in from Paris, arriving at the main Heathrow Airport in west London on a British Airways planenamed Hope and Glory. The England flag, the red-on-white Saint George's cross, flew from the cockpit window.
Unfancied defending champions England were beaten 15-6 by favourites South Africa at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday.
To a smattering of applause from the airport staff, coach Brian Ashton was the first off the plane, followed by the squad wearing navy blue team polo shirts. Retired back Jason Robinson had his injured right shoulder strapped up and one player had his trousers pulled down by a cheeky colleague.
Speaking shortly afterwards at a press conference at nearby Twickenham rugby ground Ashton, who could land a lucrative new contract after taking the England side all the way to the final, voiced optimism about the future.
"I enjoy doing the job and nothing's changed since I spoke to you last," he told reporters. "I thoroughly enjoy doing the job and I think England have a pretty exciting future."
And he again paid tribute to the defeated players. "I've got a lot of pride in how they performed as rugby players and even more how they performed as men," he said.
Captain Phil Vickery added: "I'm extremely proud of all the players, I can't fault any of them. Everyone dug in. We managed to get to the final but unfortunately we couldn't bring the cup home. It makes me feel very proud.
"I think there is a lot of young talented players in England," he added.
London's Evening Standard newspaper reported that members of the squad were still drinking with Britain's rugby-loving Prince Harry into the small hours of Monday morning, more than 24 hours after they began a marathon boozing session in Paris to drown their sorrows.
