September 5 down the years
Five Nations salvaged
Scrum.com
Leicester's Joel Stranksy boots the ball clear at the Madejski Stadium, Richmond v Leicester, Allied Dunbar Premiership, Madejski Stadium, Reading, England, January 19, 1999.
Joel Stransky was on form with the boot for Leicester on this day in 1999 © Getty Images
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1996
A climbdown by the RFU ensured the continuation of the Five Nations after the other four countries had threatened to stage the tournament without England in a row over cash. England had been expelled from the tournament after the RFU negotiated an exclusive rights deal for Championship games with satellite broadcaster BSkyB. Eventually the RFU was forced into a complete surrender and agreed to share the cash with the other home nations. "Why we got ourselves into this mess in the first place, I have no idea," reflected Scotland's Scott Hastings. "It's been a waste of time and a lot of hassle."

1920
The Americans claimed gold in the Olympic final at the Antwerp Games with an 8-0 win over France. The two sides were the only competitors for the title and also contested the 1924 final, won by the Americans 17-3. That was the last time rugby was contested at the Olympics - making the USA reigning Olympic champions.

1998
Joel Stransky kicked 19 points as Leicester began their league campaign with a commanding 49-15 victory over Harlequins.

1953
Australia recorded a dramatic 18-14 win over South Africa in Cape Town courtesy of a stunning solo try from Garth Jones in the dying minutes.

1959
Coventry marked the opening of their new £10,000 pavilion at Coundon Road with a 34-19 win over an International XV.

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