WORCESTER’S Danielle Waterman praised England’s efforts as they went down 13-10 in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final to New Zealand at Twickenham Stoop.

The full-back, along with Worcester team-mate Kat Merchant, both started for England in a pulsating final.

“I’m so proud of all of the girls,” Waterman said. “We really did stick at it and hopefully showed the whole world that we can really play some good rugby.

“Everybody from one to 22 was outstanding. New Zealand really had to pull it out to win the game and hopefully people have seen just what we can do.”

Merchant paid tribute to England’s fans and hopes the players have changed people’s perceptions of women’s rugby.

“It was a really good game for spectators and great for women’s rugby,” Merchant said.

“We’ve really changed people’s expectations of the game and their opinions on it and that’s great. It’s a shame about the result but we’ve done England proud.

“The support was amazing. It made a big difference and really lifted us.

“Before the Haka, when the crowd sang Swing Low Sweet Chariot, it was an amazing moment and made me so proud to be English.

“It was a really hard game. New Zealand are very physical and so are we. We’re both fast too so it was a really even match which made for a great game.”