NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
England coach Simon Middleton believes his Red Roses have a bright future despite falling short in their quest for the women’s Rugby World Cup title.
Middleton’s side slipped to a 34-31 loss at the hands of tournament hosts and defending champions New Zealand at Eden Park in a repeat of the 2017 final.
They were reduced to 14 players in the 18th minute after Lydia Thompson was sent off for a high tackle on Portia Woodman.
England have now won two of eight World Cup finals but Middleton was more upbeat than he was following the defeat in Belfast in the 2017 showpiece.