The players were not gracious in their shock defeat to South Africa

The English rugby team took off their runner-up medals immediately following their World Cup loss to South Africa, and were roundly condemned for it on social media.

England’s rugby team have been labelled “sore losers” after they refused to wear their World Cup runners-up medals.

Eddie Jones’ side were left battered and bruised after a heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in the final this morning, The Sun reports.

Owen Farrell, the England captain, looks dejected after their defeat during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final. Picture: Getty Images

England were well beaten 32-12 in Yokohama, in a game watched by millions of fans in pubs around the country.

But some of the squad sparked fury among fans when they immediately took their medals off while still on the pitch.

Saracens flanker Maro Itoje even refused to put the medal over his head.

England's Billy Vunipola reacts at the end of the match after South Africa defeated England in Yokohama, Japan. Picture: AP

The deflated squad then watched on as Siya Kolisi became the first black captain to lift the Rugby World Cup trophy.

One Twitter user said: “A game well played but the England players immediately taking off their medals is hugely disrespectful.”

Another claimed: “England are now acting like spoiled children taking off their medals, so RUDE. Why embarrass themselves and us like that?”

And one shocked fan wrote: “Why didn’t England wear their medals? Makes them look like poor losers. Lose and behave graciously and well if you can’t win.”

Can’t believe most of england have taken off their medal, and people say the All Blacks are sore losers. We rocked our bronze medals with pride, England could learn something from that #ENGvsRSA @EnglandRugby @rugbyworldcup

— grace (@gracevmay) November 2, 2019

But Eddie Jones remained respectful to his opponents when he was quizzed about the runners-up spot.

He said: “The silver medal is not as good as the gold medal, but it is a silver medal and I am proud of my players.”

A happier team: Faf de Klerk, Mazakole Mapimpi and Tendai Mtawarira celebrates after the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final match between England and South Africa. Picture: Getty Images

He added: “We struggled to get on the front foot, they had dominance and it’s hard to play on the backfoot ball.

“South Africa are worthy winners, but I can’t fault the effort of our players, my team are hurting badly.

“We have no excuses and it’s not the time now to discuss my future, but this team will keep developing.”

This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished here with permission.