World Cup winners are named team of the year

14 April 2012

England's World Cup-winning rugby side were named World Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Estoril last night.

Sir Clive Woodward's men fought off competition from AC Milan, Ferrari, the Australian cricketers, the German women's football team and the Alinghi America's Cup sailing team to collect the prize.

England beat Australia in the World Cup final with a drop-goal in the last minute of extra-time from Jonny Wilkinson, who was pipped to the Sportsman of the Year award by Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher.

Captain Martin Johnson said: "It's been a fantastic year for all of us."

Laureus Academy member Sean Fitzpatrick, who played in the New Zealand team which won the first rugby World Cup, said: "England were by far the best team in the world in 2003.

"From No1 to No15, they dominated the World Cup, with Martin Johnson quite outstanding for his leadership."

Two female golfers were among the other victors. World No1 Annika Sorenstam was named Sportswoman of the Year and 14-year-old Michelle Wie was crowned Newcomer of the Year.

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