'Cheap and nasty' - The World Cup final complaint irking fans

While the general response to the Rugby World Cup final in Auckland has been overwhelmingly positive, there's one element of the event that has exorcised even seasoned journalists.

England’s Test-record 30-match winning run came to an abrupt end after the Red Roses were beaten 34-31 by New Zealand in the final at Eden Park on Saturday.

The tournament has been hailed as a triumph for the women's game, with attendance records tumbling and an unprecedented amount of interest in the flagship event.

However, there was at least one snag for some viewers. Many don't feel the current Women's Rugby World Cup trophy is fit for purpose.

Veteran rugby journalist and broadcaster Sonja McLaughlan wrote: "Given growth of women’s game think it’s high time that trophy got an upgrade."

When pushed on her view, which was held by many, she described it as 'cheap and nasty'. "It’s not about size although as bloke understand why that’s your first thought. Just looks cheap and nasty."

Old Sulians RFC wrote: "Either the World Cup trophy is small or the Black Ferns are all bigger than Martin Bayfield."

Another fan wrote: "That trophy is an insult. They’ve just won the Rugby World Cup and it’s that small."

"Anyone else think the women’s rugby World Cup trophy could be a lot better? Like that doesn’t look like a WC trophy," opined another.

"I’m sorry but what a piss poor trophy that is for the women’s rugby World Cup," wrote one irate fan, who was clearly unimpressed with the cup.

"Anyone else think they seriously need to upgrade that women's rugby World Cup trophy? It's a world cup! not a coffee cup," penned another fan.

Given the near-unanimous objections online, it may be in line for changing ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

additional reporting PA