England rugby star Josh Lewsey is backing Bristol's bid to be a host city for the 2018 football World Cup.

Bristol University graduate Mr Lewsey knows what it is like to play in and win a World Cup, having been part of England's victorious team in the 2003 rugby World Cup in Australia.

He had to limp off in extra-time in the final, but his dynamic runs were crucial in England's victory.

In the group match against Uruguay, Mr Lewsey scored five tries in the 111–13 defeat of Uruguay, equalling the world record of tries scored in one game during the tournament.

Mr Lewsey, 32, who played rugby for Bristol while still at university, returned to his alma mater to receive an honorary degree at the Wills Memorial Building.

He said: "World Cups are special in any sport. They come along every four years, and they are the biggest event in that sport.

"Bristol is a vibrant, young and fun city. And it is also a global city, with a hugely important international heritage.

"Bristol is one of the most historically important cities in the development of the western world, and to be a representative of a world sport in one of the biggest sporting events in the world would be fantastic for the city.

"And I know that the people of Bristol would do the World Cup proud as well."