2003 runners’ up medal restored
“Rugby has the great capacity to bring people and nations together as loyal, compassionate mates,” says Justin Harrison.
In the early hours after Australia lost to England in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, disconsolate lock Justin Harrison threw his silver medal into Darling Harbour.
He had not worn it when presented after the game, it represented desperate disappointment and regret. However what Harrison came to regret was hurling it into the ocean at the harbour’s Cargo Bar. Now RUPA president, he wished he had the medal to give to his sons, Jack and Hugo.
Last week, RFU President Jeff Blackett surprised Harrison with a replacement medal. Harrison was asked to return to the Cargo Bar to talk about Australia-England rivalry. On camera, as he talked about throwing his medal away, Blackett appeared with the replacement.
Through World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont, Blackett had contacted the makers of the original medals, who still had the original mould. The RFU and Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan paid for another to be made.
“It’s very humbling to contemplate the amount of effort and people involved to make this happen,” Harrison said. “Rugby has the great capacity to bring people and nations together as fierce combatants but also loyal, compassionate mates.”
