WORCESTER winger Lydia Thompson saw red in the 17th minute in England's World Cup Final defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.

Thompson was unfortunate to be sent-off after a clash of heads in the tackle but left her side to play with 14 for over an hour.

The Red Roses battled hard and had a chance to win the game with the final play but a lineout turnover denied them what would have been a memorable victory under the lights in Eden Park.

But it was not to be as they lost 34-31 in a thrilling final that will live long in the memory.

After the match, head coach Simon Middleton insisted that the laws need to be looked at after Thompson's red card.

"Lydia Thompson is one of the most beautiful, caring people you will ever meet in your life," he said.

"If they don't take intent into account in situations, then you'll never reflect accurately what's going on.

"There has to be a penalty for a high tackle or head clash or things that endanger players. But I just think you have to take intent into consideration. Maybe that's the bit that's missing as part of our protocols and consistency."

Middleton added: "I don't think you ever get over it, but you live with it don't you?

"There are worse things that go on in life. I'm immensely proud of the team and what we've achieved.

"But when you put yourself in high performance it's to win, there's always an ultimate goal and we pulled up a little bit short.

"We didn't get what we came here for and that will be my lasting memory."