England suffer huge rugby World Cup blow with U-turn on Owen Farrell decision

England will be missing their captain for the start of the Rugby World Cup as Owen Farrell’s suspension was reinstated.

The Saracens fly-half will miss the first two of England’s pool matches due to a four-game ban by World Rugby.

Those four games include warm-ups against Ireland and Fiji, before England open their tournament against Argentina on September 9, followed by a match against Japan.

Farrell, 31, saw his yellow card upgraded to red for a high tackle on Wales’ Taine Basham last week, but the decision was overturned due to mitigating circumstances found by a disciplinary panel.

However, World Rugby contested the decision, with Farrell now learning his fate at a disciplinary hearing.

Teammate Billy Vuniopla is also waiting to hear the outcomes of a review into his high tackle on Ireland’s Andrew Porter.

The decision on Farrell leaves a huge hole in Steve Borthwick’s line-up ahead of their clash with Fiji on Saturday.

Their World Cup campaign then stats at the Stade de Marseille against Argentina on September 9, with England currently fifth favourites to win the tournament in the betting markets.