Phil Parkinson believes his high-flying Colchester United squad can learn a lot from England's Rugby World Cup winning triumph in Australia.
Phil Parkinson
The deep-thinking U's boss today told the Evening Gazette: "If you want to be successful you only have to look at the new World Champions.
"The English rugby squad are great professionals and a perfect example to sportsmen and women everywhere.
"Coach Clive Woodward and the England boys proved that you have got to be dedicated and prepared to make sacrifices.
"They do everything right and with a good team spirit, determination and non-stop work ethic, they have shown us all that if you put in the hard work the rewards are there to be won.
"I'm not saying our Colchester lads do none of those things, but Jonny Wilkinson is a perfect example of what can be achieved when you apply all those qualities.
"No-one is more dedicated to his profession than him.
"He practices on his own four hours a day and it is no coincidence that he kicked that all-important last-minute drop-goal that has brought the World Cup back to England."
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Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
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