England captain Owen Farrell has been cleared to play in the Rugby World Cup after his red card against Wales was overturned at a disciplinary hearing.
Farrell was facing a potential six-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Taine Basham during a match on Saturday. However, an Australian disciplinary panel ruled that the decision to upgrade the yellow card to a red card was wrong on the balance of probabilities.
The panel acknowledged that Farrell’s tackle was illegal and resulted in Basham failing a Head Injury Assessment. However, they determined that a late change in dynamics caused by Jamie George’s involvement in the contact area led to a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier.
The decision to clear Farrell has sparked controversy, with former England coach Clive Woodward describing it as a mind-boggling and astonishing move that makes rugby a complete and utter laughing stock. Woodward argues that the decision undermines player welfare and erodes confidence in the game’s judicial process.
Progressive Rugby, an organization advocating for player welfare, also criticized the verdict, stating that it undermines the bunker review system and shows a lack of commitment to protecting players.
Farrell, who has been criticized in the past for his tackling style, has had previous suspensions reduced after completing tackle school. His latest clearance means he will be available for England’s World Cup warm-up fixtures against Ireland and Fiji.
England’s World Cup campaign begins on September 9th, where they will face Argentina in Marseille. The team is also scheduled to play against Japan, Chile, and Samoa in Pool D.
