Financial implications: England will parade the Webb Ellis Cup before a full house at Twickenham next month after the International Rugby Board sanctioned a match against the New Zealand Barbarians, who will choose players from around the world.

The game has been arranged for December 20th and will be the start of a financial bonanza for the English Rugby Football Union, whose chief executive Francis Baron believes England's status as the World Cup holders will increase the governing body's annual £74 million turnover by 20 per cent.

The 12 Premiership clubs will share in the profits generated by the visit of the NZ Barbarians, with each receiving a minimum of £100,000.

The RFU is about to negotiate three deals for shirt sponsorship, kit supply and television, with Baron saying the World Cup success was timely because the commercial market is in a depressed state. The extra profits would be ploughed back into the game at grassroots level.

Baron maintained there should be a separate competition for the smaller countries running parallel with the World Cup.

"The IRB has to draw up a five-year plan for countries like Canada, the USA, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Romania to help them become more competitive," he added. "They need practical assistance."

Coach Clive Woodward, team captain Martin Johnson and the rest of the squad can look forward to sponsors queuing to sign them up to lucrative deals.

Jonny Wilkinson in particular has been catapulted to becoming the most marketable sportsman in Britain, now David Beckham plies his trade in Madrid. He could earn up to £5 million a year from sponsors and advertising.

Wilkinson is sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank, Lucozade sports drinks, adidas for his playing kit, along with Beckham, and Hackett for clothing. The player stressed he wanted to ensure commercial activities did not interfere with his rugby, but said yesterday: "I don't want to waste any opportunities in my career. I can't afford to feel like I have any regrets."

Saturday's victory will add a few extra noughts to how much the players can demand from existing sponsors - along with new ones eager to bask in reflected glory. The RFU anticipates increased demand for tickets to all Twickenham major draw matches and Premiership - and more firms wanting to book hospitality suites. The win will assist in broadcast negotiations involving England internationals.