World Rugby has confirmed an appeal against Owen Farrell’s rescinded red card, leaving the England captain again open to a Rugby World Cup ban.
Global governing body World Rugby has exercised its right to appeal the Six Nations-organised independent disciplinary committee decision to overturn Farrell’s red card against Wales.
Farrell was sent off for a head-high tackle on Wales flanker Taine Basham in Saturday’s 19-17 win at Twickenham. The 31-year-old admitted the challenge warranted a yellow card, but contested the award of a red.
The all-Australian three-strong panel accepted that argument, and Farrell was cleared to return to play immediately on Tuesday.
Now though World Rugby has taken the rare but not unprecedented step of appealing the verdict. The body has not yet confirmed details of its impending hearing.
The governing body opted against detailing the grounds for the appeal, insisting only: "World Rugby considers an appeal to be warranted."
Farrell could face a ban in the region of four to six weeks for his head shot on Basham, where his right arm was by his side with no attempt at a wrap. England argued that Jamie George’s contact with Basham left Farrell unable to readjust in time, but most neutral observers have been left shocked by the 108-cap fly-half being initially cleared.
World Rugby chiefs are however understood to believe that Farrell’s tucked right arm left him performing a shoulder charge. In that instance there would be no mitigation and a ban would be incoming.
England will later this afternoon name their team to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. Farrell is expected to be omitted from the starting line-up, in light 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,” read a World Rugby statement.
“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 ago Farrell and England thought the captain and talisman was in the clear to start the fast-approaching World Cup unimpeded.
Now the Saracens star is right back under full disciplinary scrutiny, and again faces a nervous wait to discover his World Cup fate.
England start their World Cup campaign by taking on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday, September 9.
