FORMER Thornbury ace Billy Vunipola has rubbished rumours that he has stuck the knife into England after they went out of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday.

The former Castle School student, who suffered a bad leg injury in the defeat a week last Saturday to Wales that ruled him out of the tournament, took to Twitter to deny he had been disloyal to national coach Stuart Lancaster’s squad after their 33-13 loss to Australia on Saturday.

The defeat meant they became the first ever Rugby World Cup host nation to go out of the tournament at the group stages.

Teetotaller and number eight Vunipola, whose brother Maku, who also played for Thornbury RFC and went to Castle School and came on in the front row in the defeat to the Wallabies at Twickenham, tweeted: “Hearing some rumours that I've been saying negative stuff about England. Laughable! Complete rubbish and I don't even drink!”

Indeed, Vunipola said it was everyone’s fault in the England camp that they failed to qualify out of a Group of Death that included Wales, Australia and Fiji.

He said it was not all down to under-fire head coach Stuart Lancaster and that the players did their utmost to get through. He tweeted: “I would never say anything negative about the boys or staff. We gave everything we had, just wasn't enough and we all take responsibility.

“Proud to train and play alongside such great lads and we have to look forward now. Thanks for all of your support.”

England take on group minnows Uruguay in Manchester on Saturday night in what is a dead rubber and with the recriminations of the defeat sprayed across social media, while Lancaster’s job at the helm of England is firmly under the spotlight.

Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said there would be no hasty decisions on the future of Lancaster but already pundits are drawing up possible replacements to the national boss.

But the collective responsibility indicated by Vunipola was advanced by full-back Mike Brown who apologised to the nation for the demise.

Brown tweeted: "I'm absolutely gutted for what's happened. We put so much hard work in, some of us for four years, and to go out like this is devastating.

"Your support has been incredible and you deserve better from us. We know there will be criticism which we will take on the chin.

"But please know, to a man, we have given everything we have in preparation and in the games. On the day we weren't good enough, we know that and it hurts.

"We make no excuses and will take the criticism given to us. All credit to Australia and Wales and I wish them all the best for the tournament.

"For us now it's about being professional and finishing the tournament in the right way in our last RWC15 game.

"Hopefully the guys lucky enough to take the field on Saturday can leave you with something to be proud of.

"Once again to all of the England rugby supporters thank you for your unbelievable support to me personally and to the team. I appreciate it so much.

"Messages, words in person, on social media and cheering for us at all the games, you've been amazing! Sorry we couldn't be better for you."