England’s winning streak came to an end in the most important game of all as New Zealand won the World Cup for a sixth time on a historic night for women’s rugby at Eden Park.
Harlequins scrum-half Lucy Packer was thrust into the team for the game late on following an injury to Leanne Infante.
Her teammate, who was saddened by some ‘cruel’ comments about her replacement, wrote on Twitter: “If you do anything today/tonight (depending on where you are in the world right now) please read this, it’s VERY important.”
In the attached statement, she wrote: “Please can we all take a minute to appreciate what’s just happened. Lucy’s hurting just as much as everyone right now and social media can be truly cruel.
“She has just started in a World Cup final, at her first World Cup tournament. She did everything that was required of her yesterday, and she did it extremely well!
“I personally couldn’t have done anymore than what she gave to the team yesterday. Her speed of ball and defensive efforts was phenomenal. I am unbelievably proud of her (any everyone else that took to the field), and so is her family.
“I ask you to stop the nasty commented and watch the game back with perception. Let Luct and her family digest this amazing achievement.
“We will come back stronger, together.”
Off-pitch lives and loves of England’s Red Roses after Rugby World Cup defeat
England’s Red Roses have captured the hearts of the nation after reaching the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand.
Their winning streak came to an end in the most important game of all as the Black Ferns won the World Cup for a sixth time on a historic night for women’s rugby at Eden Park.
In what has to be one of the most dramatic World Cup finals of all time, the Red Roses went down to 14 players when Lydia Thompson was shown a red card in the 18th minute and led for most of the game.
England had lost four previous finals to New Zealand and their hearts were broken once again as Ayesha Leti-I’iga’s try regained a three-point lead for the hosts with nine minutes remaining.
We take a look at the loved ones who will help the players to recover following the cruel defeat.
#1. Sarah Hunter’s boyfriend Nathan Smith
She has more than 120 caps for England and played in the victorious World Cup squad in 2014.
She is currently captaining England women in New Zealand. Hunter lives with her boyfriend, Nathan Smith, near Loughborough He is a coach at Doncaster Knights rugby club.
#2. Jess Breach’s boyfriend Archie White
Her partner is Archie White, who plays flanker for the Harlequins men’s side.