The disciplinary decision concerning Owen Farrell is anticipated to be delivered this evening, while the ruling regarding Billy Vunipola is likely to be issued tomorrow morning.
Once the verdict is declared along with the expected suspension, it will be published on this page
Vunipola was ejected from the game against Ireland due to a shoulder-to-head challenge on prop Andrew Porter last Saturday.
VERDICT:
Having acknowledged mitigating factors including his exemplary previous record, immediate apology and remorse, and noted the absence of any aggravating factors, the committee reduced the six week entry point by three weeks, resulting in a sanction of three weeks (to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule):
- England v Fiji 26 August 2023
- England v Argentina 9 September 2023
- England v Japan 17 September 2023
Former citing officer predicts bans:
We queried a former participant in the RFU citing system regarding his projections for the duration of suspension anticipated for each player.
Predicted Billy Vunipola ban: Four games
Vunipola was sent off against Ireland for a shoulder-to-head challenge on prop Andrew Porter on Saturday.
He predicted a four game ban. As a result, the powerhouse number 8 would miss the first three games of the 2023 Rugby WorldCup against Argentina, Chile and Japan.
Reports suggest that a lengthy ban could result in Vunipola being dropped from the squad with either Alex Dombrandt or Tom Willis being recalled to the squad.
Predicted Owen Farrell ban: Five games
It will be the second time in a week that Farrell has faced a panel as World Rugby contests a decision to overturn his red card against Wales.
After initially getting off with his dangerous tackle he suspects World Rugby will throw the book at the England captain in response to the social media outrage with the original judgement.
