Last night, news emerged that World Rugby is planning to contest the verdict that resulted in the overturning of Owen Farrell’s red card against Wales.
According to The Telegraph, the RFU is currently awaiting clarification on this matter, leading them to reschedule their team announcement from 12pm to 4pm today.
World Rugby holds the right to challenge disciplinary hearings, and there has been widespread criticism over the decision to not impose a penalty on Farrell.
He had received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Wales’ player Taine Basham during the second half of England’s triumph at Twickenham last Saturday.
Nonetheless, during the assessment by a disciplinary panel, they noted a shift in the dynamics of the contact zone as a mitigating factor.
The panel explained that the participation of England’s Jamie George in the tackle influenced Basham’s change in trajectory.
Should an appeal be pursued, it would not only disrupt England’s preparations to face the top-ranked team globally but also, if successful, potentially result in a five or six-week suspension for Farrell, contingent upon mitigating circumstances.
How to watch England vs Ireland:
Ireland v England marks the fourth weekend of the Summer Nations series, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The match will be shown live on Amazon Prime Video on Saturday, with coverage starting at 5.10 pm before kick-off at 5.30 pm.
Predicted England team to play Ireland:
#BACK-THREE:
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
11. Elliot Daly
#CENTRES:
13. Joe Marchant
12. Ollie Lawrence