England flanker Tom Curry receives a two-game ban for his sending off against Argentina – due to his good character the ban has been reduced to SIX weeks
- England flanker Tom Curry was sent off for a high tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia
- Due to his good character, the ban was shortened from six weeks
- Coach Steve Borthwick will now have to do without the star against both Japan and Chile
England flanker Tom Curry has been banned for two games after being sent off in the World Cup opener against Argentina.
Curry will miss the Pool D games against Japan and Chile after being sent off for a head-on collision with full-back Juan Cruz Mallía.
The offense carries a six-week suspension, but this was reduced to three weeks due to Curry’s good character before a further week of suspension for attending tackle school.
He is expected to complete the course alongside England defense coach Kevin Sinfield.
It is a major setback to Steve Borthwick’s plans as injury meant he was without the striker for the entire summer warm-up series.
England flanker Tom Curry was banned for two games for his frontal high tackle
Curry initially received a yellow card in the third minute before officials reviewed the decision
Curry is the third England player to be suspended in recent weeks, following the sending offs of captain Owen Farrell and No.8 Billy Vunipola.
Speaking about the No8’s possible return against Japan on Sunday, assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Billy has a great physical presence and it’s great to have him back on the training pitch. “But he’s also really smart, he brings himself in great positions, he has great hands.
“He has more threat than just being a big ball carrier. “He’s really smart and knows when to switch and change the point of contact for other players too. “It’s great for us to have him available.”
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