England crashed out of the Bridgewater Tag Rugby World Cup today, without even taking to the field. The damage had been done in the previous rounds where a lack of wins had left England at the foot of the table. In truth, if they had won the games scheduled for Round 3, they would probably still have faced elimination from the tournament.

With all games washed out today, the four teams that have qualified for the semi-finals on Wednesday 30th October are Argentina, South Africa, Japan and Australia. As group stage winners, Argentina, led by Craig and featuring the competition’s leading try scorer Alfie, will face up to Japan. Captained by Matteo, Japan will be hoping to replicate the host nation’s exploits in the actual World Cup, by causing an upset and advancing into the final on Wednesday 6th November.

In the other semi-final, Australia, led by Thomas, will try to overcome South Africa, who are under the charge of Jaydon. Both teams finished level on points and are separated by just two tries on try difference.

With rugby on the up at Bridgewater and the popularity of the World Cup sweeping across the nation, why not contact a local club, e.g. Eccles Rugby Club and experience the game on another level? In the meantime, try to tune in to watch England take on the French on Saturday morning for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup!