Piers Francis cited over dangerous tackle
England centre Piers Francis has been cited for a dangerous tackle made during his side’s Rugby World Cup clash with the USA in Kobe on Thursday.
The incident occurred shortly after the kick off of the match which England won 45-7 but the offence was not reviewed by the referee, Nic Berry.
Earlier in the week, World Rugby promised a clampdown on illegal hits at the World Cup and Francis becomes the fourth player cited at the tournament.
Disciplinary update: Piers Francis has been cited for an act of foul play.
World Rugby statement ➡️ https://t.co/PAW27Zpj8g pic.twitter.com/o1ZAiuhb2D
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 27, 2019
A World Rugby statement read: “England centre Piers Francis has been cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous high tackle) in England’s Rugby World Cup 2019 match against USA on 26 September.
“The player will attend a hearing before an independent Judicial Committee chaired by Nigel Hampton QC (New Zealand), joined by former international coach Frank Hadden (Scotland) and former international referee José Luis Rolandi (Argentina).
“The hearing will take place in Tokyo on a date to be agreed with the player and his representatives.”