England Rugby captain Owen Farrell had his red card offense from his side’s recent 19-17 win over Wales overturned. 

This decision clears Farrell to play a full role in the Rugby World Cup 2023, which is a major boost for coach Steve Borthwick. 

The incident in question saw Farrell make contact with the head of Wales backrow Taine Basham, while also not wrapping his arms. 

This left referee Nika Amashukeli with no choice but to send Farrell from the field of play, initially with a yellow card, which later was upgraded to a red-card offense by the bunker. 

On Tuesday, an independent judicial committee overturned the decision to upgrade the incident to a red card. 

Explaining their decision, the jury said, “After reviewing all the evidence, questioning the player in detail and hearing submissions from the player's representative, the committee concluded that the foul play review officer was wrong, on the balance of probabilities, to upgrade the yellow card issued to the player to a red card. 

"The committee found that a late change in dynamics due to England No. 2's [George] interaction in the contact area brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier." 

The IJC added that the foul play review officer should not be criticized for making the decision. 

"The committee believes it is important to record that no criticism is made of the foul play review officer nor, would any be warranted. 

"Unlike the foul play review officer, the committee had the luxury of time to deliberate and consider, in private, the incident and the proper application of the head contact process," the statement concluded.