MARK Wilson's bid to become a Rugby Union World Cup winner with England ended in bitter disappointment on Saturday.

A powerful South Africa dominated the final in Yokohama and though coach Eddie Jones threw on the former Kendal flanker with 20 minutes to go, he was unable to stem the tide and the Springboks ran out 32-12 winners.

With England warm pre-match favourites, the defeat was particularly hard to take for the thousands of supporters who travelled out to Japan.

Those legions of fans included a contingent from the Kendal club, several of whom had made hasty plans to make the 11,000 mile round trip to the final after being inspired by Wilson's fine display in the semi-final victory over much fancied New Zealand.

The 30-year-old played an important part in England's triumph over the All Blacks when he came on as a second half replacement, but the game was already slipping away from them when he was similarly introduced on Saturday and he and his colleagues were left disappointed.

Wilson will now join Premiership side Sale Sharks with whom he has agreed a one year loan deal from his current club Newcastle Falcons.