Borthwick anticipates World Cup effect

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Borthwick was 10 when England staged the 1991 tournament and vividly recalls the heartache as Will Carling's side were edged 12-6 by Australia in the final at Twickenham. The 29-year-old Saracens lock, who has gone on to amass 50 caps, understands the galvanising effect a World Cup on home soil can have.

"The opportunity to play in the World Cup is incredible because of the intensity and the excitement involved," he said. "To do that in your home country is once-in-a-lifetime stuff because the opportunity rarely, if ever, comes around."

He added: "Hopefully it will inspire the next generation of English rugby players.

"As a kid I watched in 1991. I found it inspiring and I'm sure many players growing up at the same time did as well.

"I remember the disappointment of the final because we had done so well up until that point.

"It was then that I started dreaming of playing for England in the hope that I might one day appear at the World Cup."

The 2015 World Cup is a further addition to Britain's 'golden decade of sport', which also includes the 2012 Olympic Games, the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and 2014 Commonwealth Games.

And the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be added to the schedule if the Football Association succeed in their attempt to secure the competition.

"England getting the World Cup is super news. It's a fantastic thing for rugby in this country and for the guys who were involved in the bid because they worked hard," said Borthwick. "It's an exciting time for sport generally in this country because all of the things like the Olympics and Rugby League World Cup which will also be happening."