‘Absolute joke’ – Six Nations 20-minute red card slammed after England youngster’s ‘mean and dangerous’ hit against Ireland
England U20 forward Junior Kpoku and his red card against Ireland in U20 Six Nations.
The Six Nations’ 20-minute red card law trial did not get off to a good start after the punishment handed down to Junior Kpoku was slammed by onlookers.
England’s forward was dismissed in the 15th minute of the U20 Six Nations clash for a no-arms hit on Ireland centre Eoghan Smyth.
It was late, high and with no attempt to wrap as Kpoku was sent from the field for the remainder of the game by French referee Jeremy Rozier.
However, Rozier decided that it only deserved a 20-minute red rather than the full sanction, which would have left the English youngsters down to 14 men for the rest of the game.
As a result, the visitors were allowed to bring on a replacement after the time had elapsed, bringing them back up to a full complement ahead of the second period.
Trialled for first time in Six Nations
Many felt on social media that the severity of the incident should have resulted in a sterner punishment as the 20-minute red card law trial, which is being used in all Six Nations competitions for the first time this year, was slammed by supporters.
“Mean and dangerous. Exactly what the rule makers should be outlawing,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Another person added: “I thought serious foul play could still be a red card. There was no wrap, no bend just a cheap head shot. It should be more of a sanction than a 20 minute red.”
The law did garner some support online after the defending champions at age-grade level emerged 19-3 triumphant over Ireland in their opening match.
“Lazy tackle, had loads of time to line the Irish player up and smash him, leads with the shoulder, no wrap,” a supporter wrote.
“In saying that, red cards just ruin the game as a contest. 10 min and 20 min sin bins with the player being replaced is much better.”
Another added: “Pretty clear red card… Rubbish. Yellow, all day as it was a glancing blow at low danger. Red cards are ruining the game – the new 20 min rule works well in this specific situation.”
🟥 Junior Kpoku sent off in the first half, pretty clear cut red.
Not really sure what he’s trying to achieve going in at that height. #U6N20pic.twitter.com/bmyrLPz9wj
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) January 30, 2025
‘Game’s in trouble’
However, most were against the idea of a 20-minute red, particularly for this incident, with player welfare at the forefront of many people’s minds, as one person wrote: “Surely that has to be an occasion where it’s a red for the whole game. If not, game’s in trouble.”
England also had Tom Burrow sin-binned soon after Kpoku’s sending off, leaving them down to 13 men for 10 minutes, but they managed that period impressively and led 9-3 at the interval.
They then controlled much of the second half when back to 15 and ended up securing an impressive win, but it was the back five forward’s red card which was the big talking point during and after the match.
“Player safety absolutely forgotten about here. 20 minutes for that absolute joke. As late as 2nd class postage,” one person wrote, while another added: “Thought this was *exactly* the type of situation the ’20 minute red’ WASN’T to be applicable for – dangerous play with a risk to the opponents head?!”