Owen Farrell tackles Andre Esterhuizen Photo: INPHO
Owen Farrell has been left out of England's matchday 23 to face Ireland in a Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture in Dublin on Saturday after World Rugby earlier on Thursday appealed against a decision to overturn his red card against Wales.
However, England coach Steve Borthwick said his captain had the team's "full support" ahead of the appeal, which is to be heard early next week, Six Nations Rugby said.
George Ford will wear the number 10 jersey as Borthwick added he would have selected Farrell had there not been significant disruption this week due to the disciplinary process following his dismissal against the Wales.
"In my original planning for the Summer Nations Series and as part of our Rugby World Cup preparation, Owen Farrell was due to be selected to play in this Saturday's Test," Borthwick said in a media release from England Rugby.
"However, in light of the fact that so much of Owen's training and match preparation time this week has been significantly affected and interrupted by the disciplinary process, I have not selected him in the matchday 23. Owen will travel to Ireland with our full support.
"Owen understands the situation, but is of course disappointed, as I am, that he is missing such a special game that he would otherwise have played in."
Farrell, son of Ireland coach Andy, was surprisingly let off the hook by a Six Nations Rugby independent Judicial Committee on Wednesday, who agreed with the flyhalf that his no-arms tackle on Wales' Taine Bashman warranted a yellow card only.
The decision caused uproar on social media, with ex-players and player welfare advocates almost unanimous in agreeing it set a bad example at a time when the long-term effect of head injuries is in the spotlight.
A lengthy suspension would be a serious blow to Borthwick's World Cup plans, with Farrell potentially missing England's crucial first two pool games against Argentina and Japan.
An independent appeal committee will hear the case early next week at a time and date to be confirmed.
-Reuters
