Whoops!

The majority of the rugby world is still in absolute shock after England captain Owen Farrell had his red card rescinded for his no-arms tackle on Wales flanker Taine Basham at the weekend, escaping any ban and making him free to play immediately.

Most people were convinced that Farrell would receive a four-week ban at the very least, ruling him out of England’s two remaining Summer Nations Series warm-up games, as well as England’s opening two pool stage matches at the Rugby World Cup.

But an independent disciplinary committee ruled today that Farrell’s red card should be rescinded as much of the blame was as a result of England hooker Jamie George’s initial challenge that lowered Basham’s height, and compromised Farrell’s tackle.

Most, including us, agree that the decision was absolutely ridiculous, and Farrell should consider himself the luckiest man in rugby. And it seems so does George Ford and the England squad, given his Freudian slip today when interviewed…

“It’s great for us in terms of having our captain and leader back in and getting away with ahhhhh,” Ford said.

“…. obviously going through the process and cracking on as normal.”

We feel you, George. We feel you.