A RUGBY-mad Worcester businessman enjoyed the perfect end to his honeymoon by flying back with the World Cup-winning England team.

Richard Davies, who runs an advertising agency in Worcester, travelled from Australia yesterday accompanied by his wife, Louise, and all 30 members of the victorious England squad.

They chatted to the team and even managed to have their photograph taken holding the famous Webb Ellis trophy - with Lawrence Dallaglio himself taking a snap of the happy couple.

"The day before we came home, there were rumours they might be going on the same plane. Then there were people saying they might be going later so no-one was really sure what they were doing," said rugby-mad Richard who owns Richard Davies and Partners, which has been based at Clerkenleap Farm, Bath Road, Broomhall, for the past 10 years.

"But when we were in the departure lounge, a crowd started to form behind us and the players appeared.

"Most people thought they would be tucked away in first class but it turned out they took the whole of business class and sat about four yards in front of us. Everyone was just absolutely amazed."

The scheduled flight back - on the appropriately named Sweet Chariot jumbo - marked the climax of an incredible three weeks for the couple.

Days after marrying in Broadway, near Evesham, Richard, aged 50, and Louise, aged 22, jetted out to Australia and watched all of England's knock-out games as well as the final on Saturday.

"We got engaged a year ago, in about January, and in February Lou suggested having the honeymoon out there. I said why not, although I didn't take much convincing," said Richard, who lives in Gloucestershire and attends every Gloucester RFC game.

"Halfway through the Wales game, it looked like we were going out and then it was party time after beating France to get to the final. That was almost too exciting to watch, it was unbelievably tense. Then to see the players - we couldn't ask for a better end to it all if we tried."