England’s Rugby World Cup ambitions could be badly dented later today, with two key players facing sanctions that may rule them out of the opening weeks of the tournament.
Both Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola are staring at suspensions after being sent off in England’s last two warm-up tests.
Vunipola goes before an independent disciplinary hearing over a dangerous tackle against Ireland at the weekend.
Any potential sanction could be announced straight after the hearing or on Wednesday, leaving England to sweat over the fate of the only true number eight named in their 33-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on 8 September.
Farrell received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Wales loose forward Taine Basham, which was later upgraded to a red during the match on review.
A Six Nations Rugby independent judicial committee reduced it back to a yellow but World Rugby has appealed the surprise decision.
It means the England captain faces an independent disciplinary panel for the second time in a week, amid widespread criticism of the initial decision on one hand and condemnation of the coverage of the case on the other.
World Rugby’s appeal is also being heard today but again with no date or time given for the announcement of the decision.
Both players are facing lengthy suspensions that can be reduced for mitigation but any ban will still have a major impact on England’s hopes as they prepare for their Pool D opener against Argentina in Marseille on 9 September.
Farrell’s father, Ireland coach Andy, described the debate surrounding his son's disciplinary process as a "disgusting circus" while England coach Steve Borthwick said his skipper had been subjected to "personal attacks".
The scrum-half's original disciplinary hearing cleared him, finding mitigation in a late change in dynamics by Basham during the 19-17 win at Twickenham.
Vunipola's sending off during Saturday's 29-10 defeat in Dublin was for clattering into Andrew Porter's head with his shoulder. He also had an initial yellow upgraded to red.
Meanwhile, Twickenham has been confirmed as one of eight host venues for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.
The stadium witnessed a world record crowd for a women’s international of 58,498 when England beat France earlier this year.
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is the second biggest of the selected venues with a capacity of 49,000, while Premiership clubs Exeter and Northampton will host matches at Sandy Park and Franklin’s Gardens respectively.
The remaining games will be played at the less traditional rugby venues of the Salford Community Stadium, York Community Stadium, Brighton Community Stadium, and Ashton Gate in Bristol.
The 2025 tournament, which runs from August 22 to September 27, will feature 16 teams.
Ireland missed out on qualification for World Cup 2021, which was held last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
