Mike Brown says England will not hide over World Cup exit
Sunday 4 October 2015 15:27, UK
Mike Brown has apologised for England's World Cup exit and says there will be no excuses when the inquest begins.
Saturday's defeat to Australia was their second in three Pool A games and means they cannot now qualify for the knockout stages of their own tournament.
A decision on Stuart Lancaster's future has been deferred until after next week's final game against Uruguay, but full-back Brown says there will be no one in the England camp hiding from the truth.
"I'm absolutely gutted for what's happened," Brown wrote on his Twitter page. "We put so much hard work in, some of us for four years, and to go out like this is devastating.
"Your support has been incredible and you deserve better from us. We know there will be criticism which we will take on the chin.
"But please know, to a man, we have given everything we have in preparation and in the games. On the day we weren't good enough, we know that and it hurts.
"We make no excuses and will take the criticism given to us. All credit to Australia and Wales and I wish them all the best for the tournament.
"For us now it's about being professional and finishing the tournament in the right way in our last RWC15 game. Hopefully the guys lucky enough to take the field on Saturday can leave you with something to be proud of.
"Once again to all of the England rugby supporters thank you for your unbelievable support to me personally and to the team. I appreciate it so much. Messages, words in person, on social media and cheering for us at all the games, you've been amazing! Sorry we couldn't be better for you."
