SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Joe Launchbury embarrassed by award

England rugby union forward Joe Launchbury says his man of the match award from the weekend against the Wallabies is worthless.

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Joe Launchbury admits there will be no place on the mantelpiece for the "embarrassing" man of the match award he received as England crashed out of the Rugby World Cup against the Wallabies.

Moments after the hosts had been routed by Australia on Saturday, sealing their tournament demise, Launchbury was forced to give a pitch-side interview at Twickenham upon being handed his trophy.

It was among the 24-year-old's finest performances in an England jersey, but Bernard Foley and David Pocock were outstanding for the Wallabies and would have been worthier recipients.

The voting system sees a shortlist of three selected by the tournament's world feed radio broadcast before fans chose the winner on social media.

"It was extremely strange to be named man of the math. It was embarrassing and it definitely won't go on the mantelpiece at home," Launchbury said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"It was a strange award that could have gone to a whole host of guys on their team.

"The most important thing for them was winning the game, so I don't think they'll be too disappointed.

"I'd been out of the game for a long time and that was my first proper start for a while. I wanted to impress as much as I could.

"Individually parts of my game went quite well, but the overriding emotions were hurt and frustration."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world