Owen Farrell banned but will be available for Six Nations

Owen Farrell will be available for the start of England's Six Nations against Scotland on 4 February after receiving a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle.

Farrell faced a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday night after his shoulder made contact with the head of Jack Clement in the 75th minute of Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership victory over Gloucester on Friday.

Although the four-match suspension would prevent him from running out at Twickenham in Steve Borthwick’s first match in charge, it will be reduced to three games if he completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme.

By doing so, the out-half will be able to resume playing after Saracens’ Premiership clash with Bristol on 28 January.

Farrell, who has been in brilliant form for table-topping Saracens this season, was a regular at inside centre for England under Eddie Jones, with Marcus Smith preferred at 10.

Smith has not played since November due to an ankle injury but is expected to return for Harlequins this weekend. Fellow flyhalf George Ford is also expected to return for new club Sale later this month having not played since injuring his ankle in the Premiership final in June.

Farrell regained the England captaincy from the injured Courtney Lawes for the November series, and new England head coach Borthwick will announce his Six Nations squad next Monday.

Additional reporting: Reuters