14 January 2023 , 21:06
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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has intervened to ensure new England coach Steve Borthwick will be able to select Owen Farrell for the Six Nations opener against Scotland, despite being handed a ban for a dangerous tackle on Gloucester's Jack Clement.
Farrell was initially handed a four-week ban for the tackle, but that will be reduced to three weeks if he completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.
As a result, the 31-year-old fly half will miss Saracens' upcoming matches against Lyon and Edinburgh in the European Cup, as well as a Premiership clash with Bristol Bears.
Farrell would not normally have been available for the Bristol game as he would have been part of England's Six Nations training camp, meaning the ban could have updated to include the Scotland game.
That was a prospect raised by the disciplinary panel, who noted in their judgement: "Should there be a change of circumstances, then it will be the responsibility of the parties to consider the position and to ensure that the sanction imposed by this panel remains meaningful.
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"If necessary, the player's free to play date will be amended to ensure the sanction remains meaningful."
Farrell was hit with a ban following a dangerous tackle while playing for Saracens (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)However, the RFU have now confirmed that Farrell is available for the Scotland match by taking advantage of a loophole to ensure the ban is fully served before the Six Nations begins.
"The RFU has written to Saracens confirming the availability of Owen Farrell for the Saracens game against Bristol Bears on Jan. 28," they confirmed in a statement.
"After a three week ban and completing the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, Farrell would be available for selection for England v Scotland on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023."