A RUGBY-mad couple got their hands on the cherished World Cup after finding themselves on the same flight back to Britain with England's newest sporting heroes.

Niki and Tim Carder were amazed to learn they would be winging their way back to a tumultuous reception at Heathrow on the re-christened BA jumbo jet "Sweet Chariot" just 48 hours after cheering the team to victory in Sydney.

The Kidderminster couple met the squad aboard the flight - which touched down in the early hours of Tuesday morning - when players made their way from business to economy class to chat with the 300-strong mass of supporters.

"They were really tired but absolutely fantastic," beamed Scotsman Tim - who fleetingly swapped sides to cheer on England for Saturday's historic victory over Australia.

"There was 300 people trying to get to them and it was mayhem but I was determined to get my wife in front of Lawrence Dallaglio and have her picture taken with the World Cup."

A shot of the two appeared in a national newspaper and will be treasured by the couple along with photos of players including Ben Cohen, Matt Dawson, Jason Leonard and captain Martin Johnson.

Just 12 hours after the plane landed Tim, 41, told the Shuttle/Times & News: "I couldn't believe they were on the same flight. We first realised when we were checking in when we saw these big crates carrying bags marked with players' names."

Niki, 34, said she was knocked back by the reception waiting for the team in England: "The whole terminal was full and people were singing Sweet Chariot when we walked through. The players came out last and the place erupted."

The couple of Hemming Street, Kidderminster had gone out to visit Niki's sister in Perth before meeting up with pals from the Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Club to watch the final along with tens of thousands of other England supporters.

Business development manager Tim said: "It was like nothing I had ever experienced before in my whole rugby career. When England won the whole place went into total delirium, it was a real carnival atmosphere."

England's first major sporting trophy win since the football World Cup of 1966 was a massive boost for the game, said Tim, who is fixtures secretary for the Kidderminster club based in Marlpool Lane.

"It will hopefully encourage more youngsters to take up the game. We have been working with schools and anyone aged seven to 17 is welcome at the club. We are holding an open day on February 1 and training camps during half-term for seven to 14-year-olds."

New changing rooms at the club are being built and should be open by February, he added.

For further information on the club call Tim Gould on 01562 881944.