Owen Farrell dropped by England after ban decision is appealed
England captain Owen Farrell has been left out of the England team that will face Ireland on Saturday after the decision to rescind his red card has been appealed by World Rugby.
The flyhalf has been at the centre of intense scrutiny this week following a red card against Wales last Saturday. An independent panel’s decision to rescind the red card on Tuesday sparked an outpouring of fury online, and World Rugby have since appealed that decision. Farrell will now face another hearing in the coming days.
Given the week Farrell and England have had, England head coach has decided not to play his captain, and has started George Ford in his place with Marcus Smith on the bench. Courtney Lawes will deputise as captain in Farrell absence as well.
Borthwick said: “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 match in Dublin.
“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 match day 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.”
England XV
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 24 caps)
14. Anthony Watson (unattached, 55 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 17 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 51 caps)
11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 58 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 123 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 50 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 78 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 27 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 68 caps)
5. David Ribbans (Toulon, 6 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (C) (Northampton Saints, 98 caps)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens, 16 caps)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 69 caps)
Replacements
16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 1 cap)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 80 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
20. Jack Willis (Toulouse, 11 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 88 caps)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 22 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
