Simon Middleton, England coach, believes he won’t “ever get over it” losing a second successive Rugby World Cup final to New Zealand.
The Red Roses lost their lead when the Black Ferns tried to inflict another crushing defeat on Saturday.
Middleton led England in 2017 World Cup where they were defeated by New Zealand in final.
“I don’t believe you can ever get over it. But you can live with it. Middleton was unable to speak on Sunday.
“There are worse things than life.”
Middleton had helped England win a record 30 Test winning streak heading into the final. They have been at the top of the world rankings since 2002.
“I’m extremely proud of the team, and what they’ve accomplished,” he said.
“But when it comes to high performance it is to win, there is always an ultimate goal and unfortunately we fell short.
“We didn’t get what we came to here for, and that will be my lasting memories.”
Red cards must consider intent’
England won the final despite having 14 players starting in the 18th minute when wing Lydia Thompson was sent to the stands for a high tackle against Portia Woodman. England led for most of the match.
Woodman was taken off the field to undergo a head injury evaluation. Wayne Smith, New Zealand’s director of rugby, said afterward: “I don’t know if she’d remember much about the game.”
England lock Zoe Aldcroft also went home after suffering a head injury. Wing Abby Dow was sent for an assessment and she was allowed to return to the pitch.
There are questions about the consistency and quality of cards at this World Cup. Kennedy Simon’s tackle, which sent Dow out of the field, was given a yellow because it was not significantly different to Thompson’s.
Middleton stated that concussions are a major issue in rugby and questioned the laws surrounding red card offences.
He stated that Lydia Thompson was “one of the most beautiful and caring people you’ll ever meet”
“If they don’t consider intent in situations then you won’t reflect accurately what’s happening.”
“High tackles or head clashes must be punished. I think it is important to consider intent. Perhaps that’s what’s missing from our protocols and consistency.
Middleton responded to a question about World Rugby’s law trials for 20-minute red cards. He said that this was a better solution than sending a player away.
Middleton was appointed England’s head coach in 2016. He is currently contracted through June 2023.
He won’t be drawn on his future, saying that he doesn’t know when he will talk to Rugby Football Union bosses about it.
He said, “I work with a great team of people and I know that they’ll support my decision in any way we think is right.”