Calls for high tackle reoffenders, such as Owen Farrell, to be handed six-month bans

Colin Newboult 07 Sep 2023 10:34 AM

England captain Owen Farrell before a Rugby World Cup warm-up. — England captain Owen Farrell before the Rugby World Cup.

Former Wales international Alix Popham has called on World Rugby to change their sanctions for those who consistently find themselves in front of a disciplinary body.

Owen Farrell was recently suspended for four matches, ruling him out of the start of the Rugby World Cup.

It was the England captain’s second ban this year and his third since 2020, where he missed five matches for an awful high shot on Charlie Atkinson.

Health issues

Popham has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and believes that there needs to be tougher punishments in today’s game, otherwise the players’ health will be put at risk.

“For Owen Farrell to only get a four-game ban with his history… I like him as a player and as a competitor but he hasn’t learned from his previous bans,” he told the Daily Express.

“Kids are watching that with their mums and dads thinking: ‘well if he can get away with it so can I’ so it’s not a good look for rugby as a whole.”

Popham wants the governing body to alter the laws which will allow independent disciplinary panels to dish out six-month suspensions for repeat offenders.

The ex-Wales back-row is also seeking change to how teams can used their bench, with him thinking along similar lines to former Ireland player Keith Wood.

“South Africa bring on seven huge mutants against tired players during games,” he said. “I’m not having a go at South Africa – they are just playing within the rules – but I think substitutions should only be for injuries.”