Nerve-shredding, brave, committed, proud: England bowed out of Rugby World Cup 2023 with a heart-breaking last minute defeat at the hands of South Africa.

In front of an enthralled capacity crowd at a rain-lashed Stade de France, Steve Borthwick’s heroes were roared on by an army of England fans, who almost saw their team through to a remarkable final against New Zealand.

Instead, they will face a bronze final against Argentina on Thursday, still in with the chance of finishing third after an incredible campaign.

With a perfectly executed game-plan and a ferocious forward effort, England led for the majority of the match, only to have their hearts broken at the last.

It had been quite a day in Paris for fans. Ahead of the match, they were treated to a second successive England Rugby House that featured England stars Dylan Hartley and James Haskell alongside The Beast – former Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira – and TV pundit Alex Payne.

Inclusive food and drink, games and giveaways set up the day perfectly and followed on from a glimpse into England’s past the day before with former skipper Will Carling, Rob Andrew, Jerry Guscott and Dean Richards.

And with the incredible Richie McCaw also on hand to preview New Zealand’s semi-final, fans had an exclusive insight from some of the biggest names in the world.