World Rugby Appeals Independent Committee's Farrell High-Tackle Ruling
World Rugby Appeals Independent Committee's Farrell High-Tackle Ruling
England captain Owen Farrell still could face a suspension for his tackle on Welsh rugby player Taine Basham, as World Rugby appeals his non-suspension.
World Rugby, the sport’s global authority, has confirmed it will appeal the decision for England captain Owen Farrell’s red-card infringement to be downgraded.
Farrell was shown a yellow card by referee Nika Amashukeli, which subsequently was upgraded to a red card by the bunker referee.
It then was expected that Farrell, who previously attended World Rugby’s tackle school for reckless tackles he made in the past, would be suspended for the incident.
To many people’s surprise, the 31-year-old was cleared of any wrongdoing by a panel consisting of three Australian officials and operated by the Six Nations, thus clearing him to play immediately.
This decision caused mass hysteria and, in certain corners, outrage in the Rugby World, with current and former players, coaches, commentators and referees calling on World Rugby to appeal the decision.
𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹: 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 15, 2023
World Rugby has since released a statement around their decision to raise the appeal that read as follows:
“World Rugby has today confirmed to the Rugby Football Union and Six Nations Rugby that it will exercise its right to appeal in regard to the Owen Farrell disciplinary decision, following a careful review of the independent judicial committee’s full written decision received on 16 August.
“World Rugby fully supports the important role that an independent disciplinary process plays in upholding the integrity and values of the sport, particularly regarding foul play involving head contact. Player welfare is the sport’s No. 1 priority, and the Head Contact Process is central to that mission at the elite level of the sport.
“Having considered the full written decision, World Rugby considers an appeal to be warranted.
“In line with provisions set out under Regulation 17, an independent Appeal Committee will be appointed to determine the matter at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Further details regarding the hearing, including appointments and date, will be confirmed by Six Nations Rugby.”