Owen Farrell faces contemporary World Cup ban menace as World Rugby launch enchantment
Global governing physique World Rugby has exercised its proper to enchantment the Six Nations-organised unbiased disciplinary committee choice to overturn Farrell’s pink card towards Wales.
Farrell was despatched off for a head-high sort out on Wales flanker Taine Basham in Saturday’s 19-17 win at Twickenham. The 31-year-old admitted the problem warranted a yellow card, however contested the award of a pink.
The all-Australian three-strong panel accepted that argument, and Farrell was cleared to return to play instantly on Tuesday.
Now although World Rugby has taken the uncommon however not unprecedented step of interesting the decision. The physique has not but confirmed particulars of its impending listening to.
The governing physique opted towards detailing the grounds for the enchantment, insisting solely: “World Rugby considers an appeal to be warranted.”
Farrell might face a ban within the area of 4 to 6 weeks for his head shot on Basham, the place his proper arm was by his aspect with no try at a wrap. England argued that Jamie George’s contact with Basham left Farrell unable to readjust in time, however most impartial observers have been left shocked by the 108-cap fly-half being initially cleared.
World Rugby chiefs are nonetheless understood to imagine that Farrell’s tucked proper arm left him performing a shoulder cost. In that occasion there can be no mitigation and a ban can be incoming.
England will later this afternoon title their staff to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. Farrell is anticipated to be omitted from the beginning line-up, in mild of the continued disciplinary wrangles.
“World Rugby fully supports the important role that an independent disciplinary process plays in upholding the integrity and values of the sport, particularly regarding foul play involving head contact,” learn a World Rugby assertion.
“Player welfare is the sport’s number one priority, and the head contact process is central to that mission at the elite level of the sport.”
Just two days in the past Farrell and England thought the captain and talisman was within the clear to begin the fast-approaching World Cup unimpeded.
Now the Saracens star is correct again below full disciplinary scrutiny, and once more faces a nervous wait to find his World Cup destiny.
England begin their World Cup marketing campaign by taking over Argentina in Marseille on Saturday, September 9.