This quirky item displays a digital copy of the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald that printed a public apology to the England Rugby team the day after they won the Rugby World Cup.

The apology was prompted by the many derogatory articles written by a reporter and an ex-player in the build up to the finals.

It is professionally framed with mounting and black surround, displaying the digital signature of Campese at the bottom. It measures an impressive 50cm by 45cm.

The article states, “Regarding your magnificent team’s 20-17 triumph in the Rugby World Cup Final, on behalf of all Australians we would like to admit the following.” It goes on to make statements such as:-

"You were not too old (although we hoped you would be). Your not too slow. You entertained as much as we did. You are better singers than us. You played with class, toughness and grace. You were bloody superior. And, for the first time in 37 years, winners of a football World Cup.” Etc etc.

It goes on to say, “As a result, we believe Twickenham to be a fitting home for the trophy. We forgive you using Australia as a dumping ground for your weak, poor and defenceless – even if the practice continues every forth summer (the ashes). We will no longer characterise your fans as beer swilling pot bellied louts or knife wielding hooligans and try to remember the supporters who made the final so memorable. We will stop calling for a change to the drop-goal scoring system.” Etc etc.

Finally, it says, “WE OFFICIALLY REMOVE THE 215-YEAR-OLD CHIP(S) FROM OUR WEARY SHOULDERS AND ENCOURAGE ALL AUSTRALIANS TO BE NICE TO ANY PERSON OF ENGLISH PERSUASION THEY COME INTO CONTACT WITH FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK… PS: GO TO THE WALLABIES, who did us all proud with the magnanimous manner in which they and our fans accepted defeat at the hands of you Pommy bastards (sorry, that one slipped through the editing process.)”

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