GO GOLD stars fall to defeat in World Cup Final

One-time GO GOLD funded athletes Emily Scarratt and Megan Jones starred for England throughout the 2017 Rugby World Cup, and both started in the defeat to New Zealand in the final.

Having shone throughout the tournament, England faced a mammoth task to record another World Cup victory, taking on rugby giants New Zealand. And despite a half-time lead that saw The Roses 17-10 to the good, they eventually fell to a cruel 32-41 loss.

Scarratt spoke to ITV Sport after the match and said: "We're gutted. We came here with one goal and we came up a little bit short but fair play to New Zealand, they really brought it. Rugby is a hard game to play without the ball and in the second-half, we didn't really have it.

"Throughout the tournament we've had so many great efforts and there's been so many girls making their first World Cup appearance and some of them will go on to have many more appearances on a massive stage like this. The support back home has been phenomenal and I can't thank people enough."

The tournament, held in Ireland and broadcast by ITV Sport, has helped to significantly raise the profile of the game. A peak of 2.6 million tuned into the coverage and with the domestic season getting back underway next month, it's hoped that the rise in supporters could in turn lead to a rise in young people getting involved.

Megan Jones and Emily Scarratt both played crucial roles in the tournament, with Jones coming into the starting side for the final after an injury to teammate Danielle Waterman. And for Scarratt, it was not to be when it comes to a second World Cup trophy, having been a pivotal part of the 2014 squad and scoring the winning try in that final against Canada.

For more information on GO GOLD Funding, visit http://www.lrsport.org/gogold.

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