If Vunipola is banned, it leaves head coach likely to entrust either Ben Earl or Tom Curry with the No 8 jersey
England’s back row plans for the World Cup potentially faces chaotic upheaval after Billy Vunipola was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Ireland’s Andrew Porter in Dublin.
Vunipola, the only specialist No.8 in Steve Borthwick’s squad, faces a disciplinary hearing next week to determine whether he will be available for England’s World Cup campaign. Vunipola was shown a yellow card on the field by referee Paul Williams, with the incident referred to the off-field TMO bunker which concluded the challenge merited a red card.
One factor counting in Vunipola’s favour is his lack of previous suspensions and that he has not previously attended World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Panel, known as ‘tackle school’.
But the risk of travelling to France without the only No 8 in the squad available to start the tournament, with only Ben Earl as cover, may now force a re-think with Borthwick’s World Cup squad.