Andrew Sheridan: Retired Prop Who Nearly Won England the 2007 Rugby World Cup

Andrew Sheridan: rugby player, bench-presser, brick-layer, folk singer and Eddie Munster-lookalike, has been facing challenges throughout his career. But, the 40-cap England prop retired from all rugby Tuesday after admitting defeat against the long-standing injuries that have decimated his career. With better luck, he would have doubled that tally.

At 6’5” and 19 stone, 9 pounds, Sheridan was very tall for a prop forward. In fact, Sheridan began his career at the back of the scrum.

Andy Robinson, who as England coach gave Sheridan his first England cap in 2004 told the Bristol Post of Sheridan’s positional journey: “Andrew Sheridan, at Bristol, went from back row to second row to tighthead to loosehead, and eventually found his position there.”

The match Sheridan is most remembered for is the 2007 World Cup quarter-final against Australia in Marseille. But first it is worth remembering England’s state going into that match.  

Dismantled 36-0 by South Africa in the Pool Stage, the obituaries were out for England at that World Cup. The BBC’s James Standley reported that “England’s defence of the World Cup is coming apart at the seams.” More damning still was the verdict of Chris Hewett, writing in The Independent: “Worse still, there is no prospect of a conclusion to this misery.”

So then, on a hot day in the south of France, England, thanks in large part to Sheridan, defeated a more talented Australia side. The match was not much of a spectacle, but Sheridan was crucial to England’s tactic of turning the match into an arm wrestle up-front. In so doing, England nullified Rocky Elsom and George Smith from the Australian back-row, and stifled their skilful backs, George Gregan, Stirling Mortlock, Lote Tiqiri and Chris Latham. Johnny Wilkinson kicked the penalties, and England won, but the true hero for the White Rose was Sheridan.

It was surmised by Tim Glover of The Independent: “England, if not so much in attack, were magnificent in defence and pulverising in the scrum, where man of the match Andrew Sheridan shredded the Australian front row”.

After beating hosts France in the semi-final, the World Cup finished with England narrowly losing to South Africa in the final, this time 15-6. And if Mark Cueto’s try had not been controversially disallowed, England may well have become the first team to retain the World Cup.

This resurgence was down to the domination of the Australian front-row in the quarter-final, and Sheridan was at the heart of it.

Sheridan may not have hit these heights again, but debilitating injuries prevented him from getting rhythm and consistent game-time.

Rugby should salute the dedication of “Big Ted,” the gentle giant who gave England a chance of a most improbable World Cup triumph.