England lose out to France in U21 World Cup

England’s hopes of a place in the semi-finals of the IRB Under-21 World Cup were extinguished by a 21-16 defeat to France at Henley today.

England needed a win and for New Zealand to lose to Australia to have a chance of seizing second place in the group.

As it was, France were the team left rueing what might have been as Australia and New Zealand drew 37-37 at Newbury to leave the Wallabies top in combined pools A and D with New Zealand second, while Japan and Italy’s wooden-spoon play-off finished 47-34 to the Azzurri.

England finished fourth and will face the third-placed team from combined pools B and C.