LAST UPDATE | 17 Aug 2023
OWEN FARRELL WILL face an independent appeal committee early next week after the saga surrounding the England out-half’s red card against Wales took another turn on Thursday.
Earlier today, World Rugby confirmed it was to appeal the decision by an independent disciplinary panel to overturn Farrell’s red card against Wales, as the England captain’s involvement in the World Cup was sprung back into doubt.
Farrell was sent off for a high tackle on Wales back row Taine Basham following an off-pitch ‘bunker’ review of the incident during last weekend’s World Cup warm-up game.
The English out-half faced an independent disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, when it was expected he would be banned, but the all-Australian committee agreed with Farrell that the tackle had not warranted a red card.
That was because the committee felt there had been mitigation involved, specifically that England hooker Jamie George had made contact with Basham, causing a “sudden and significant” change in direction just before Farrell’s right shoulder hit Basham’s head.
However, on Thursday morning World Rugby officially confirmed that it would appeal the independent committee’s decision to overturn Farrell’s red card.
“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,” reads an official World Rugby statement.
“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.”
Six Nations Rugby have since confirmed that Farrell’s latest hearing will take place early next week.
“Six Nations Rugby can confirm it has received an appeal from World Rugby in respect of Owen Farrell’s independent disciplinary hearing decision,” reads a Six Nations Rugby statement.
“An independent appeal committee will hear the case early next week at a time and date to be confirmed.
“The chair and members of the committee will be confirmed in the coming days.”
If Farrell’s red card is restored, he is facing a ban that could see him missing out on England’s World Cup campaign.
Given his three previous bans for high tackles and the fact that he didn’t accept he deserved a red card at the first hearing, Farrell seems unlikely to receive strong mitigation when it comes to sanctioning him. A possible six-week entry point could see Farrell missing England’s final two warm-up games against Ireland and Fiji, as well as their four pool games.
The out-half has not been included in the England squad to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, with George Ford to start at 10 for Steve Borthwick’s side.
With reporting from Ciarán Kennedy, updated at 4.57pm with Six Nations Rugby Statement.
