England captain Owen Farrell admits World Cup semi-final exit to South Africa was “tough one” to take | Rugby Union News | Sky Sports

Owen Farrell admits he hasn’t “digested” England’s heart-breaking Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa last month and his main focus is now playing for Gallagher Premiership side Saracens

Last Updated: 22/11/23 2:24pm

England captain Owen Farrell says his side’s World Cup exit is still a “tough one” to take but admits he must now focus on club rugby.

Steve Borthwick’s side reached the semi-finals of the tournament in France by beating Argentina, Japan, Chile, Samoa and Fiji before making their exit after going down 16-15 to South Africa in a thriller.

Although England went on to claim the bronze medal with victory over Argentina at Stade de France, skipper Farrell felt the last-four defeat was a “couple of steps too far” for the side.

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Discussing his return to club rugby with Saracens just seven days after England’s World Cup campaign had ended, Farrell told Sky Sports: “We’ve had games to get our teeth stuck into and pretty big games at that.

“We had Leicester first-up at home and then I was lucky enough to get a week off and get some downtime, spend some time with the family and get back into a bit of normality.

“At times I thought it was the best thing for us. I felt better after playing for Sarries.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve digested it all but I thought it was a brilliant tournament. I thought was atmosphere was brilliant but it was just a couple of steps for us too far for us which was disappointing and it’s still a tough one.”