Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson burst onto the Sevens scene in 1993 and went on to carve out their own little niche in rugby history.
Their success in the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens in Murrayfield proved a catalyst for the then 21-year-olds and, 10 years later they made history by becoming the only players to win the Melrose and the Webb Ellis Cups.
With the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai about to get under way, Dallaglio will soon witness a fresh batch of English talent compete for the coveted trophy but looks back at the final at Murrayfield with fond memories.
"I had always loved playing Sevens and the freedom it gave you on the pitch,” Dallaglio recalls.
"When you look back at the names involved in that tournament - legends such as Australia's Michael Lynagh and David Campese and Fiji's Waisele Serevi - it was an amazing competition and I am proud to have been involved.
"Our semi final match against Fiji was very tough and when we came through that we knew we could beat Australia. The atmosphere was terrific and I will never forget the moment when we won."
Dallaglio's double
Dallaglio also played every minute of all seven matches in the 2003 RWC triumph, the only player to do so.
"Both World Cup finals were utterly unforgettable and I can't really compare them," he continued.
"It's interesting that both finals were against Australia and Matt and I were involved in both. The Sevens and XVs England squads were a great bunch of players - all extremely talented.
"I would have to admit that our preparation for the 1993 World Cup Sevens was slightly different to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. In 1993 there was certainly no training camp, no ice baths or real fitness testing. In fact, I think we even had a few beers the night before the tournament!
"I guess no one was as surprised as we were when we actually won. It was a great tournament and brings back very good memories for me."
Shaky start
Dallaglio and Dawson were joined by Damian Hopley, now Chief Executive of the Professional Rugby Players' Association.
Hopley, who was unable to play in the final due to a calf injury, said: "We were sent up to Scotland as whipping boys, and were given no hope of making an impression on the competition.
"And after a spectacular night out in Edinburgh to celebrate my birthday, the omens weren't looking too good when we were soundly beaten by Dundee Royal High in training.
"However, as the tournament progressed, we grew together as a team, and were inspired by our captain Andrew Harriman, who led by example from start to finish.
"The semi final and final were outstanding games against Fiji and Australia respectively, and as 'Swing Low' resounded around Murrayfield, we knew that our time had come. It was an incredible experience, and one that all of those fortunate enough to be part of will cherish for the rest of our lives."
Adebayo Adedayo, another of the 1993 England Sevens squad, echoed Hopley's view that the class of '93 were not as prepared as the new crop will have to be.
"We were basically a scratch side," said Adebayo, "We got together for the first time as a team the week before, played one practice match and went on to win.
"But there were a lot of quality players in that side and looking back that's why we were able to wing it slightly - the talent came through. Looking back though, we had no expectations of winning at the start. We didn't know how far we would go. It just happened."
Class of '93 - Where are they now?
Adedayo Adebayo - The Nigerian-born wing won six caps for senior England from 1996-1998. Adebayo was a fleet-footed winger who also toured Canada and South Africa. He played in more than 200 games for Bath Rugby and was due to retire in 2001 but was persuaded to play for Parma in Italy for one last season. He is 38 and is CEO and founder of a corporate hospitality company.
Chris Sheasby - The No 8 won eight caps for England seniors, the last of which was in 1997. The 42-year-old is now head coach at Bracknell RFC and before that coached Staines. During his playing career he represented England's Colts and Students, Emerging England and the A team and spent time at London Wasps, Harlequins and London Irish.
Justyn Cassell - Played for Saracens, Harlequins and Northampton until 1998. A back-row forward, he came on for Tim Rodber during the final. He was forced to retire because of a knee injury and runs a marketing communications agency in Piccadilly, London. In February 2008 he played for a team of Latter Day Saints who took on the Esher Expendables.
Matt Dawson - One of only two English players along with Lawrence Dallaglio, who have lifted both the XVs and Sevens World Cups. Dawson a 2003 World Cup winner was responsible for feeding Jonny Wilkinson the winning drop goal pass. The 36-year-old retired from playing in 2006 and took up a career in broadcasting. He is currently a captain on 'A Question of Sport' and commentates for Radio 5 Live. He also tried his hand at dancing and in 2006 came second on ITV's Strictly Come Dancing.
Damian Hopley - A Cambridge Blue, he was a centre for London Wasps and won three caps for England. Hopley was forced to retire at the age of 27 after several knee operations, but had no financial support. In 1998 his dilemma inspired him to found the Professional Rugby Players' Association, which provides welfare and representation for players. In September 2008 he and former England and London Wasps team-mate Lawrence Dallaglio spent eight days tackling the Pyrenees in a 933km cycle challenge in aid of the PRA Benevolent Fund and Bliss, the premature baby charity.
Tim Rodber - Capped for England 44 times and a triumphant Lion in 1997. The 39-year-old former Green Howards army officer and England 1992 and 1995 Grand Slam winner played 235 games for Northampton. He was last reported as working for a corporate information management business.
Dave Scully - Beat a young Matt Dawson to the No 9 shirt in the final and won 'moment of the tournament' for a crunching tackle on Fijian Mesake Rasari. In 2006 the National League veteran became the first player to make 350 league appearances for Wakefield, Rotherham, Otley and Doncaster since his league debut in 1987. He also played for Yorkshire, North of England, England A and the Barbarians. He's currently a North Yorkshire fireman.
Andrew Harriman, Captain - The former Harlequins player won his only England cap against Australia in 1988. Known as "The Prince" because he is the eldest son of a Nigerian tribal chieftain, Chief Hope Harriman. His tribal name is Tuoyo and he is heir to the chiefdom of the Itsekiri tribe. But in rugby circles he was better known as the captain of the England Sevens team, leading by example on and off the field. Harriman's great asset was his speed - he ran 200m in 20.9sec - and he trained with sprinter Linford Christie before the tournament. The Sevens World Cup final was his last game. He was last reported as having interests in oil in Nigeria.
Nick Beal - Won 15 caps and played for the British & Irish Lions in South Africa. Now 38 he is an independent financial adviser. He is England's highest points scorer in the World Cup Sevens with 84 points and his kicking boots played an important part in England's triumph. He played in 268 games for Northampton from 1991 until his retirement in 2004.
Lawrence Dallaglio - World Cup and Heineken Cup winner and a British Lion. His success at Murrayfield as a 21-year-old rookie proved the springboard to a successful international career. Dallaglio was appointed captain at London Wasps in 1995 which is where he stayed until he retired after winning the Guinness Premiership title in May 2008. He led England in 22 matches and played an integral part in the team that won the World Cup in Australia in 2003. He and Matt Dawson are the only two players to have won both the Sevens and XVs World Cups. In September 2008 he captained the Help for Heroes side which took on Scott Gibbs' side at Twickenham Stadium in a match which raised over £1million for the Help for Heroes charity. He is now Director of Business at London Wasps and he also commentates on rugby union for the BBC.
Michael Dods - A Scotland international, he was one of a pool of spare players who was made available in case of injuries. He sat on the bench in the final to cover for Hopley, who was sidelined with a calf injury. Dods played for Gala and Northampton. He won eight caps for Scotland between 1994 and 1996. He was last reported as living in Putney, London, and is a representative for a sportswear company. He occasionally coaches London Scottish colts.
