London to welcome back rugby heroes

London to welcome back rugby heroes

London to welcome back rugby heroes

London is expected to grind to a halt on Monday as England’s Rugby World Cup winning team is paraded through the capital on an open-top bus.

Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to descend on the city to catch a glimpse of Clive Woodward’s heroes.

But a Transport for London spokesman said roads in central London route would be closed off for a short while during the parade.

The bus will leave Marble Arch at around noon heading to Trafalgar Square via Oxford Street, Regent Street, Haymarket and Pall Mall East.

Several Tube stations may also be closed, including Oxford Circus, Marble Arch, Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross.

England beat Australia 20-17 in last month’s final in Sydney to take home the Webb Ellis Cup.

The team will later meet Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and be given a Downing Street reception, hosted by Tony Blair.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “It will be a great day of celebration and should be an occasion for everyone to enjoy. If you are coming into town to salute the Rugby World Cup-winning England team, please plan your journey to allow for extra time getting to and from the parade route.”