World Rugby to appeal Owen Farrell disciplinary decision

England could still be without Owen Farrell for the start of the Rugby World Cup, after World Rugby confirmed it would appeal the decision to overturn his red card in last Saturday's 19-17 win against Wales.

The England captain was initially shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Welsh flanker Taine Basham, which was then upgraded to red following review in the 'TMO Bunker'.

However, on Tuesday an independent disciplinary committee ruled the out-half's challenge was only worthy of a yellow card, due to what they described as "a late change in dynamics" after Basham had been nudged into the contact area by England hooker Jamie George.

That decision was met with near-unanimous disapproval around the rugby community, while it was condemned by Progressive Rugby, a player welfare lobby group.

This afternoon, World Rugby have confirmed their decision to appeal the ruling if the independent disciplinary committee.

"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," a World Rugby statement said.

"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 number one 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