ENGLAND rugby union legend Neil Back displayed the passion and commitment that made him a World Cup winner at a prestigious lunch at York Racecourse.

The former Leicester flanker, a key part of the England side which won the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2003, talked about his experiences in the sport at the annual York Sportsman’s Lunch.

Back, currently head coach at Leeds Carnegie, spoke about his determination to succeed at the top level and about that squad which was victorious in Australia seven years ago.

He said: “That side wasn’t built overnight. Woody (Clive Woodward) came in 1996 after a successful Lions tour and we had some notable victories but also some notable defeats over the period – usually in Grand Slam deciders.

“That group developed and grew and learned very much from their mistakes over the years. I think we had, without question, tremendous leadership in that team.

“In 2003, we had six or seven guys who had captained their country and a handful of guys who were captain of their clubs. Over half the team had over 50 caps.

“For a lot of us who had played in one, two or three World Cups, we knew it was our last chance.”

Back was the sixth union player to address the sell-out lunch, previous speakers for which have included England team manager Martin Johnson, South African World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar and Australian rugby legend David Campese.

Again raising big sums for charity, the beneficiaries this year were the Sports Development Foundation and the Yorkshire Regiment. Soldiers who had recently returned from Afghanistan were guests of honour.

It was attended by 570 people and was organised by York-based Sporting Connexions.

Turning to Leeds, who are at present struggling at the foot of the Aviva Premiership, Back reckoned the feat of keeping that team in the top division last season bettered his World Cup triumph.

“I went on record and said the collective achievement that Leeds Carnegie achieved was bigger than the effort in winning in 2003 and I stand by that,” he added. “In 2003 we had as much finance as we wanted. We had the best of absolutely everything.

“One of the things we haven’t got at Leeds is an even playing-field in terms of finance. We know that and we appreciate that. We know everyone concerned with the business is working hard behind the scenes to give us what we need to compete.”

• For The Big Interview with Neil Back see The Press on Wednesday, November 10.