Rugby World Cup
Joe Launchbury embarrassed by Man of the Match award
Press Association
October 9, 2015
© David Rogers/Getty Images

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.

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

He had produced one of his 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 players 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 Match," Launchbury said on Friday. "It was embarrassing and it definitely won't go on the mantelpiece at home. 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."

© PA Sport

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