Lawrence Dallaglio Sells World Cup Medal Amid Financial Woes

England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio is selling his World Cup winner's medal as he navigates financial difficulties stemming from 'excessive spending' and a divorce.

Dallaglio, who was part of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, was declared bankrupt last year. The bankruptcy followed his divorce from his wife of nearly 20 years, Alice, which led to the sale of their Richmond family home for £2.4 million in May. The property had initially been listed for £3.3 million.

Shortly after the home's sale, Dallaglio was declared bankrupt and ordered to use his share of the proceeds to settle an overdrawn director's loan exceeding £366,500. While bankruptcy restrictions typically end after 12 months in England and Wales, a judge extended Dallaglio's for an additional three months until August 7. Last month, further extensions were reportedly granted due to continued spending that left insufficient funds to cover his debts.

The former England captain has now placed his 2003 World Cup winner's medal up for auction, with an estimated value between £50,000 and £80,000. The medal commemorates England's victory over Australia in Sydney, secured by Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal in extra time.

Additional memorabilia from Dallaglio's career is also being sold. His 2007 Rugby World Cup runner-up medal is expected to fetch up to £10,000, and his 2003 Six Nations Grand Slam winner's medal is valued at £5,000. Medals from his club career with London Wasps, where he won two European Cups and three league titles, each have an estimate of £8,000. His British and Irish Lions cap is priced at £5,500, and his England cap is estimated at £5,000.

The collection, which also includes player of the year awards, is anticipated to raise approximately £180,000 at auctioneers Budds in Wellingborough, Northants. The auction is scheduled for October 13.

Dallaglio, 54, made his England debut in 1995 and retired from international rugby after the 2007 World Cup. He played one final club season, captaining Wasps to the 2007/08 Premiership title before retiring from playing. He has since worked as a pundit.