That glorious day in November 2003 will forever by etched in my memory.

I was 14 and I woke up early on a Sunday to watch England battle our arch rivals Australia in their own back yard in the Rugby World Cup final.

The ball came out to Jonny Wilkinson, a hero of mine growing up, in the dying minutes of the match and with one golf-like stroke of his left foot, he booted England to glory.

I remember jumping up and celebrating with my dad and cousin, who was up visiting for the weekend, and thinking that this was a defining moment in the history of English sport.

And 2015 could prove to be another landmark if England win the World Cup on home soil.

Not since the England football team in Euro 96 has there been a chance for one of our national teams to win a big tournament hosted in this country.

England, ranked fourth in the rugby union standings, have a tough job on their hands this autumn.

The 'big three' of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa stand in the way of England writing their names in the history books.

But England's blend of youth experience makes them contenders to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

A strong performance from England at the competition would provide a great boost for the sport. 

When England lifted the trophy in 2003 I joined my mates in taking up rugby at school. 

Okay, it wasn't quite the illustrious career I had hoped for. A broken nose and an inability to tackle properly cut short my dreams of becoming the next Jonny Wilkinson.

But it would be great if more youngsters take up the sport after watching the World Cup.

Football is this country's number one sport. And that's true for me - I love it. But rugby players are much better role models for youngsters.

When I played as a junior you would spend 80 minutes taking huge hits (obviously they were fair because that's what you are supposed to do in rugby) and dishing them out. 

But there was no grumbling about getting hurt or any swearing at the referee. Respect is just expected in rugby.

After the match you would sit down with the other team and eat, laugh and talk about the match.

It was a whole new experience for me having grown up playing football where you just play the match and then go home.

Rugby is so much different.

I just hope England this autumn can inspire a new generation of youngsters to take the sport.

It all begins tonight when we take on Fiji.