England Under-20s full-back Freddie Steward has recieved a four-week ban for his mis-timed tackle during their loss to Wales on Friday night.
A statement from the Six Nations disciplinary chiefs, said: “The citing complaint alleged that Mr Steward had infringed Laws 9.11 (reckless or dangerous acts) and 9.17 (tackling in the air) when, in the 55th minute of the match, he collided with the Wales Under-20 full-back, Jacob Beetham.
How on Earth is this a yellow card? Shocking decision. This has to be a straight red. #ENGvWAL under 20s #Rugby pic.twitter.com/7iDoQelYfN
— Paul Edmonds 🏴 (@PiEdmonds) March 6, 2020
“Mr Steward accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.
“The Disciplinary Committee found that Mr Steward had committed an act of foul play (an infringement of Law 9.17) and that it had warranted a red card, so the citing complaint was upheld.
“The Disciplinary Committee found that the act of foul play warranted a mid-range entry point (eight weeks’ suspension) and reduced that by four weeks to take account of mitigating factors (including good character, guilty plea and remorse).
An England XV for the 2023 Rugby World Cup
This is how we have predicted it might play out…
15. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role for Newcastle Falcons in the Championship this season before returning to the Premiership ready to make a bid for international honours.
14. Joe Cokanasiga
- Current number of caps: 9
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25
Eddie Jones summed up what Joe Cokanasiga brings to the party when asked about his first inclusion in the England set up back in 2017. ‘He’s big and he’s fast,’ said the England coach. He’s not wrong and we expect him to be hitting his peak in 2023..
13. Joe Marchant
- Current number of caps: 3
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones’s squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we’d expect to step up heading into the 2020 Six Nations and beyond.
12.Owen Farrell
- Current number of caps: 83
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Will be one of the sides elder statesmen, captaining the squad at a second straight Rugby World Cup. Will be the goalkicker, allowing the talented Marcus Smith to run the show from 10.
11. Ollie Thorley
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2016, Thorley has pace, power and an eye for the try line. Was unlucky not to be considered for the 2019 squad but if he continues to score lots of tries and constantly improves he could be a key player for England in four years time.