Rugby World Cup 2023: Owen Farrell could still face ban as appeal launched by World Rugby as saga continues

England captain Owen Farrell could still face a ban from this year’s Rugby World Cup, with a decision to overturn his red card against Wales set to be appealed.

World Rugby confirmed this in a statement and said that “player welfare is the number one priority.”

It read as follows: “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.”

The ‘Bunker’ review system originally decided to upgrade Farrell’s yellow card to a red following his high challenge in England’s 19-17 win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

A statement from the independent judicial committee (IJC) read: “After reviewing all the evidence, questioning the player in detail and hearing submissions from the player’s representative, the committee concluded that the foul play review officer was wrong, on the balance of probabilities, to upgrade the yellow card issued to the player to a red card.

“The committee found that a late change in dynamics due to England number two’s [George] interaction in the contact area brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier.”

But there now appears to be another twist in the saga, as an Independent Appeal Committee will make the final ruling on the manner.

Six Nations Rugby will provide further details about the hearing, which will include the appointment and date, in due course.

If Farrell’s ban is reinstated, he will miss England’s final two warm-up matches against Ireland and Fiji, along with their first World Cup match against Argentina to form a three-match ban.

At present, Farrell will be able to train as normal and can be selected by head coach Steve Borthwick.

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