British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will attend Saturday's Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa in France.
Brown, who lost his sight in one eye after a school rugby accident, will travel to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis following a meeting of European Union leaders in Lisbon, Portugal.
"He has been invited by the [English] Rugby Football Union and he does plan to attend," Brown's spokesman, Michael Ellam, said.
England beat France 14-9 in Saturday's semi-final. South Africa defeated Argentina 37-13 on Sunday in the other semi-final.
Though Brown was born in Scotland, he has said he will cheer on England as it seeks to retain the trophy.
``The one barrier to my support for England in the World Cup final has been removed by the unfortunate defeat of Scotland,'' Brown said last week.
Argentina knocked out Scotland in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, England wing Josh Lewsey has been ruled of the Rugby World Cup final because of a hamstring strain.
Lewsey scored the only try in England's win over France, crashing over French fullback Damien Traille in the second minute. He hurt his right leg just before halftime and had to limp off the field during the break.
The 30-year-old Lewsey had scans late on Sunday and team medical staff decided yesterday he would not recover in time for the final, England's second in a row.
Lewsey played fullback in the 2003 World Cup final win over Australia, when England captured the title for the first time on Jonny Wilkinson's extra-time dropped goal.
England spokesman Dave Barton said team officials were contemplating drafting in a replacement in the 30-man squad.
Coach Brian Ashton is expected to announce his England squad for the final tomorrow and must carefully consider the balance of his backline.
The easiest option is to recall Mark Cueto or leave outside center Matthew Tait on the wing where he finished last weekend's semi-final.
Dual international Jason Robinson could revert to the wing but has had a great impact on the attack from No. 15.
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