The RFU have revealed what England captain Owen Farrell said during his case that resulted in him receiving a five-match ban..
The Player told the Panel he was 28 years of age, had 201 premiership games for Saracens, 83 England caps, 4 tests for the British & Irish Lions and he was also currently the England Captain at the start of the hearing.
He had kicked the ball and intended to chase Charlie Atkinson and tackle him from the side. He could see CA was a bit hesitant and thought he could get to him, he was aiming for his arm below the shoulder and simultaneously possibly dislodge the ball.
He said he lunged at the middle of CA’s arm in the hope of dislodging the ball as he tackled CA and as he did so his head went to the right hand side of CA, “I was expecting to hit him between his shoulder and arm” he told the Panel.
He did not appreciate CA’s slight change of direction given the pace he was running. CA looked across the field as if to pass and he was hoping to tackle before CA passed. He accepted that he did not control his contact with CA as he should have done. He did not set out to tackle high. He was unaware that CA dips slightly as CA checked.
On contact he knew that he had gone over the shoulder and that the contact had gone wrong. He apologised on the field. After he was dismissed, he waited at the side of the pitch for CA, apologised to him and again in the clubhouse. He was gutted that he had caused the injury to CA. He had not stopped thinking about it and was very disappointed in himself, he never ever thought he would get a red card as he had much pride and energy in setting high standards for himself.
He said what he had done set a bad example.
JOIN THE RUCK:
Every Gallagher Premiership club’s most famous fan
From Mary Berry to Sir Alex Ferguson, we run through the stars in the stands for every top-flight team
Bath RFC: Mary Berry
Best known for her cakes – that definitely do not have a soggy bottom – she is beloved across the nation. The 84-year-old, who is best known for previously judging on The Great British Bake Off and her 75 cookbooks, was born in Bath has been involved with the club on a number of occasions.
Bristol Bears: Simon Pegg
The famous actor, best known for Star Trek, Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, revealed in his autobiography that attended Bristol matches when attending university in the city. He revealed in an interview in 2017 that he still follows the team and he hopes to get to a game in the near future
Exeter Chiefs: Liam Tancock
Affectionately known as ‘The Tank’, Liam Tancock is a Devon born athlete to make his mark on the sporting world. Born in Exeter, Liam played for the Exeter Chiefs until he was 13 when his coach persuaded him to pursue a career in swimming over rugby. Keeping his roots close to his heart, he is a keen supporter of Exeter City Football Club and Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club.
