New twist in Owen Farrell saga as fly-half’s Rugby World Cup hopes hang in the balance

England fly-half Owen Farrell may still be banned for the start of the Rugby World Cup after it was confirmed that World Rugby have appealed his disciplinary verdict.

Farrell was sent off against Wales in the Red Rose’s 19-17 victory at Twickenham last weekend and faced a hearing on Tuesday.

It was expected that he would be suspended for the incident which forced Taine Basham from the field with a head injury.

High tackle issues

With Farrell’s poor recent disciplinary record, which included suspensions in 2020 and earlier this year, the playmaker could have missed the entirety of the World Cup pool stages.

However, the independent panel came to the conclusion that it was not a red card, with Jamie George’s push deemed significant enough mitigation.

That caused outrage from all quarters on social media, including England, where most agreed that the playmaker should have been banned.

World Rugby have duly taken the rare step to appeal that verdict.

A statement read: “World Rugby has today confirmed to the Rugby Football Union and Six Nations Rugby that it will exercise its right to appeal in regard to the Owen Farrell disciplinary decision following a careful review of the independent Judicial Committee’s full written decision received on 16 August.

“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 number one priority, and the Head Contact Process is central to that mission at the elite level of the sport.

“Having considered the full written decision, World Rugby considers an appeal to be warranted.

“In line with provisions set out under Regulation 17, an independent Appeal Committee will be appointed to determine the matter at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Hearing date to be announced soon

Details for the new hearing, which includes the date and the make-up of the disciplinary panel, will be confirmed by Six Nations Rugby in due course.

England delayed the announcement of their team to face Ireland on Saturday as they awaited World Rugby’s decision, although Farrell was not expected to be included in the starting XV for the game in Dublin.

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