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.