By Duncan Bech, PA Sport

The Rugby Football Union have promised to learn from past mistakes as they seek to use England's World Cup triumph to help boost playing numbers across all levels of the game.

England's only previous final appearance was in 1991 when they were defeated 12-6 by Australia and despite the disappointing result, clubs around the country reported a dramatic increase in the amount of people wanting to participate in the sport.

The figures then tailed off as England went through a lean spell in terms of World Cup success, prompting the RFU to raise concerns in September that the number of clubs and players were fewer than ever.

But Twickenham chiefs are hoping the heroics of Martin Johnson's men Down Under will help attract new blood into rugby union and are determined to ensure that it stays within the game.

"We are very confident that we can turn the success of the England side into long-term success for the good of the sport," said Terry Burwell, the RFU's community rugby and operations director.

"The challenge is not necessarily about attracting people to the sport its about keeping them involved.

"After the 1991 World Cup there was a huge uptake in the sport, especially at junior level, but in many ways that legacy had burnt itself out by 1999.

"We have to make sure that the legacy of 2003 endures into 2023.

"The World Cup has provided rugby union with a massive opportunity to widen the appeal of the sport to all sections of the community."

By the end of this season the RFU hope to have boosted playing figures by 5% with an increase of 15% in touch rugby, the non-contact version of the game which is rapidly growing in popularity.

In order to hit their targets, the RFU are organising numerous events which follow hot on the heels of England's win, including a tour to 58 locations in the country where qualified coaches will teach 13-16 year-olds.

Twickenham's money men are hoping to see turnover rise to £100million during the next couple of years as a result of England's World Cup success, and they will earmark this extra cash injection for development.

"The increase in revenue following the World Cup mean that we will be able to drive a commercial programme that will benefit the sport from grassroots to the elite game," said RFU commercial director Paul Vaughan.

"The more money we get, the more we can invest in the game at all levels."