British and Irish Lions prop Phil Vickery admits he still finds it painful being constantly reminded of England?s heartbreaking 2007 World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

The powerful front row forward is currently in the Republic with the Lions and, while he insists he has done what he can to get over the disappointment in Paris 19 months ago, he isn?t sure he will ever completely be able to put it behind him.

"The disappointment of losing the World Cup Final will always be with me and being in South Africa is a constant reminder,? he said to the Daily Mail.

"We did everything we could to keep hold of the Webb Ellis trophy that night, we just weren't quite good enough. You've got to move on or else you become a bitter old man, and I certainly wouldn't want that. But, yes, it does still hurt."

A proud man, Vickery revealed to the Daily Mail that he had felt the need to apologise to Prime Minister Gordon Brown after the defeat.

"I wanted to be remembered as a double World Cup-winning player," he said.

"You're not remembered for being a World Cup finalist."

Looking ahead to this series, Vickery said he certainly does not need to be reminded of the strength of this Springbok side. Having been a part of the England lineup which suffered a record defeat last November at Twickenham, the London Wasps strongman is prepared for a stern examination.

"Believe me I'm under no illusions at all," he said.

"But we will go out and give it everything. Making a Lions squad is fantastic, every player's dream but, ultimately, you want to be remembered as a winning Lion.

"I toured Australia in 2001 and we won the first Test but lost the next two. The tour went down as a failure. That's the way it is in sport. You win the biggest games and you are remembered forever, you lose them and some people forget you even took part."