Rugby World Cup 2023: Owen Farrell left out of squad to face Ireland, could still face ban as appeal launched
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Updated 17/08/2023 at 17:54 GMT+1
There has been another twist in the Owen Farrell disciplinary saga, in what could be a big blow to England head coach Steve Borthwick. The 'bunker' system had originally upgraded Farrell's yellow card to a red - a decision overturned by the the independent judicial committee. But World Rugby has now appealed that decision, and Farrell has subsequently been left out of the squad to play Ireland.
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England captain Owen Farrell has been left out of Steve Borthwick's 23-man squad for the Test match against Ireland on Saturday amid concern he could still face a ban from this year’s Rugby World Cup.
George Ford will start at fly-half in place of Farrell after World Rugby confirmed it will be appealing a decision to overturn his red card against Wales, saying that “player welfare is the No. 1 priority.”
A statement read as follows: "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.
"Player welfare is the sport's No. 1 priority, and the Head Contact Process is central to that mission at the elite level of the sport."
The 'Bunker' review system originally decided to upgrade Farrell's yellow card to a red following his high challenge in England's 19-17 win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
However, that decision was subsequently overturned after "a change in dynamic in the contact area” by Taine Basham, with England team-mate Jamie George having a telling role in the tackle.
A statement from the independent judicial committee (IJC) read: "After reviewing all the evidence, questioning the player in detail and hearing submissions from the player's representative, the committee concluded that the foul play review officer was wrong, on the balance of probabilities, to upgrade the yellow card issued to the player to a red card.
"The committee found that a late change in dynamics due to England No. 2's [George] interaction in the contact area brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier."
But there now appears to be another twist in the saga, as an Independent Appeal Committee will make the final ruling on the manner.
Six Nations Rugby will provide further details about the hearing, which will include the appointment and date, in due course.
If Farrell's ban is reinstated, he will miss England's final two warm-up matches against Ireland and Fiji, along with their first World Cup match against Argentina to form a three-match ban.
Courtney Lawes is set to captain England against Ireland in Dublin this weekend.
"In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our Rugby World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday's Test match in Dublin," Borthwick said.
"However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen's training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the matchday 23.
"Owen understands the situation, but is of course disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in."
England line-up
Steward; Watson, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Youngs; Genge, George, Stuart, Itoje, Ribbans, Lawes (capt), Earl, B Vunipola.
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Sinckler, Chessum, Willis, Care, Smith, Lawrence
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