Parade is put on hold for victorious team

Published on Monday 24 November 2003 00:00

ENGLAND’S victorious World Cup winners will have to wait to be feted by their adoring public.

The Rugby Football Union admitted today it would likely be well into next week before a proposed victory parade could take place through the streets of London.

Officials unanimously believe a parade is of paramount importance but say simple logistical considerations will result in its inevitable delay. An RFU spokesman said today: "Everybody that is part of the equation wants a parade to happen.

"We feel we want to give the England fans every opportunity to see the players and coaches when they come home.

"It will not be immediate because of the logistics of getting 31 players back from the clubs to which they return tomorrow. It will have to be worked around their availability."

The team are due to land at Heathrow early tomorrow morning where they will give a press conference before departing for home.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone added: "I think a parade in London or some similar public event to congratulate the England team on their victory is a great idea. I will be happy to work with the sporting authorities and the Government to make it happen."

A spokeswoman for Westminster Council said: "We would be honoured to host any sort of victory parade for them.

"Essentially the RFU would describe what they want to happen, what it would involve, then it would be up to us, as the local authority for central London, to make sure it could happen.

"The RFU had some plans but it is very much in the early stages. We would be happy to be involved."