Twenty-one years have passed since England etched their name into rugby history, becoming the first and only Northern Hemisphere team to conquer the Rugby World Cup. Now, TNT Sports brings you Unbreakable: England 2003, a compelling documentary that revisits this iconic victory in Sydney. Featuring unseen archival footage and fresh interviews, the film offers a nostalgic yet poignant look at English rugby’s finest moment. If you’re wondering Where Can I Watch Unbreakable, this guide will provide you with all the details to tune into this must-see sports documentary.
Why the England 2003 Rugby Team Remains Legendary
Sir Clive Woodward’s squad of 2003 is still celebrated as one of the greatest rugby teams Europe has ever produced. Coach Woodward meticulously crafted a plan to transform England into a global rugby powerhouse, and by October 2003, when the team arrived in Australia, his vision was clearly materializing. England dominated Southern Hemisphere giants and had just secured the Six Nations Championship Grand Slam for the first time since 1995.
However, despite entering the tournament as favorites, England’s path to lifting the William Webb Ellis Cup was far from easy. A fierce quarter-final against Wales tested their resolve, and while the semi-final against France was more comfortable, the final against Australia was an incredibly tight contest.
Under the guidance of Eddie Jones, who would later coach England himself, the host nation Australia battled England to a draw in the dying moments of extra time, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout. It was then that Jonny Wilkinson, considered one of England’s best rugby players, stepped up to deliver the most iconic drop goal in history. This legendary kick secured a 20-17 victory for England, cementing their place in sporting folklore.
Steve Thompson, a former England rugby World Cup winner, reflects on his career and memory loss in a BBC documentary, highlighting the personal challenges faced by some players after the 2003 victory.
Life After Glory: The Untold Stories of the 2003 Champions
While some members of the 2003 squad transitioned into successful careers in broadcasting or coaching, and even reality TV, others faced considerable challenges in the years that followed. This generation of players experienced the turbulent shift from amateurism to professionalism in rugby. During this transition, considerations for player welfare and life after retirement were not as prioritized as they are today.
Ben Cohen, a winger whose uncle George Cohen was part of England’s 1966 football World Cup-winning team, famously sold his winner’s medal to alleviate financial difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic. More tragically, Steve Thompson, the team’s hooker, received a diagnosis of early-onset dementia in 2020 and has no recollection of England’s triumphant journey to the World Cup title.
Unbreakable: England 2003 features contributions from Cohen, Thompson, Phil Vickery, Lewis Moody, Trevor Woodman, Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jonny Wilkinson, Paul Grayson, and Jason Robinson, among other England legends. Many of these players have also established Champions 2003, an organization dedicated to supporting retired rugby professionals grappling with physical and mental health issues.
Finding Unbreakable: England 2003: Your Streaming Guide
Unbreakable: England 2003 is readily available for streaming on Discovery+, the dedicated streaming platform for TNT Sports. For viewers in the UK, the documentary also premiered on TNT Sports 1 on Wednesday, December 11th at 10:30 pm and has been shown on the free-to-air channel Quest.
To stream Unbreakable: England 2003 and a wealth of other sports content, including Gallagher Premiership rugby, Champions League football, and select Premier League matches, you can subscribe to Discovery+ Premium. In the UK, the Discovery+ Premium plan is priced at £30.99 per month.
Don’t miss the opportunity to relive the unforgettable journey of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. Find Unbreakable: England 2003 on Discovery+ and witness the untold stories behind the triumph and tribulations of a legendary team.
