23 Mar 2011

England red faced over Grand Slam advert

6:29 am on 23 March 2011

England rugby officials have been left red-faced following the leak of a pre-recorded Nike advert which hails their team for winning the Six Nations Grand Slam.

England's hopes of winning the Grand Slam were dashed on Sunday when Martin Johnson's side was beaten 24-8 by Ireland in a one-sided defeat at Lansdowne Road.

However a Nike advert saluting England as "Grand Slam Champions 2011" was leaked onto the Internet today despite the team's defeat.

The video shows England stars Toby Flood, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden in a series of staged action clips before signing off with the team's red rose emblem.

The RFU later issued a statement expressing dismay at the leak, insisting that the footage for the advert was shot in advance for commercial reasons and denying Ireland were taken lightly.

England hoever did win the Six Nations title.