Farrell omitted by England as World Rugby appeals decision to overturn red card
Owen Farrell has been omitted from England’s matchday squad to face Ireland after World Rugby appealed the decision to overturn his red card.
George Ford will start at fly-half with Marcus Smith, England’s third World Cup number 10, named on the bench against the number one-ranked Irish.
The Red Rose captain had been cleared to play in the Dublin clash by an independent disciplinary committee who overturned his Twickenham sending off against Wales.
But the sport’s governing body has decided that verdict cannot go unchallenged, reasoning that "player welfare is the number one priority”.
That rekindles the possibility of Farrell being banned and missing crucial matches at the start of England’s campaign.
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Steve Borthwick made it clear today that but for the episode his skipper would have started Saturday’s game against dad Andy’s team. At the very least that assures it will be included in any ban.
The head coach 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.
“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.”
Amongst the replacements, Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers) is back in an England shirt for the first time since the Guinness Six Nations having recovered from an ankle injury.
ENGLAND
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)
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11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 58 caps)
10. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 123 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (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 © (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)
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