World Rugby has appealed the cancellation of the red card received by England XV captain Owen Farrell against Wales, world rugby’s governing body announced on Thursday. “World Rugby today confirmed to the English Rugby Union and the Six Nations Committee that it will exercise its right of appeal in relation to the disciplinary decision in relation to Owen Farrell after careful consideration of the full report of the Independent Judicial Committee received on August 16, “said the body in a press release published two days after the absence of sanction.
“After reviewing the full written decision, World Rugby considers an appeal to be warranted.” An independent appeal committee will be appointed to decide the case as soon as possible. “World Rugby wholeheartedly supports the important role that an independent disciplinary process plays in upholding the integrity and values of the sport, particularly in relation to foul play involving head contact.”
The opener of the XV of the Rose was excluded during the victory against Wales (19-17) after a dangerous tackle on the third line Taine Basham. Initially only warned, Farrell had seen his yellow card transformed into red by the bunker, a referee having the possibility of reviewing the images from an isolated place during the meeting.
A committee, made up of Australian officials, then challenged this exclusion: “the Committee has not confirmed this red card and the player is free to play again immediately”. This decision had provoked an outcry from many rugby players, including several players such as the Tongan center of Toulouse Pita Ahki or the former Samoan international Daniel Leo.