Ben Cohen Opts to ‘Forget’ 2003 Rugby World Cup Victory

Former England wing Ben Cohen, who was part of the team that secured a 20-17 extra-time victory over Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, has stated he “chooses to forget” this triumph. He explains this choice as a method for navigating life following his career in elite sport. Since his retirement, Cohen has experienced financial hardships, mental health challenges, and hearing impairment. Consequently, he now avoids engaging in discussions concerning England men’s sole Rugby World Cup championship. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he explained, “You relive that moment, week in, week out, and trying to move on from it can be a little bit difficult sometimes.” He further elaborated, “You choose to forget what you have achieved – if I can get away from that, I don’t have to live it so much because it brings a little bit of pain.” A discussion featuring Cohen and Vickery regarding life after the 2003 World Cup victory was broadcast on Today (at the 2hr 32m mark). The 2003 squad reconvened at Twickenham in November, prior to England’s game against New Zealand. Collectively, they have initiated a program aimed at assisting former players dealing with mental and physical health problems, some of which have been chronicled in a new TNT Sports documentary titled Unbreakable. Former prop Phil Vickery, who is among three squad members asserting that insufficient precautions and care from rugby’s governing bodies led to their brain injuries, further stated the significance of viewing sportspeople as individuals rather than indestructible heroes. He continued, “We, with lots of other people, created a magical moment. We toured around London with a million people watching. It was the most amazing experience, but we are human.” Vickery emphasized, “We have struggles, we have highs and lows and the documentary is showing people that it is all right not to be all right.” He concluded, “It is about just being honest, instead of talking in a false, mystical way about how everything is amazing and brilliant. That’s not negative – it’s just reality.” England’s 2003 squad made an appearance on the field during England’s game against New Zealand last month.