Sport

Red card furore goes to heart of player welfare fears in rugby

Critics of last week’s decision to rescind Owen Farrell’s red card say if issues of discipline and safety aren’t dealt with in good faith, it will mean the end of the sport

England's Owen Farrell. Last week, an independent committee decided to rescind the red card the England rugby captain had received for a dangerous tackle against Wales. A day later, World Rugby said it intended to appeal the decision. Picture: Getty