Follow usBilly Vunipola will miss England’s opening game at the World Cup against Argentina after receiving a red card in a preparation match against Ireland.
BREAKING: Billy Vunipola is set to miss England's first World Cup match after being banned following his red card against Ireland 🟥 pic.twitter.com/C20SAZa9We
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 23, 2023
The 30-year-old was initially shown a yellow card for high challenge on Andrew Porter, which eventually became red after review.
Vunipola will receive 3 match ban, but that can be downgraded if he completes the World Rugby coaching programme on tackling.
England’s final game before the World Cup is against Fiji on Saturday and head-coach Steve Borthwick will have to use to find adequate replacement for Vunipola.
Borthwick will be also without captain Owen Farrell after the appeal of overturning his red card against Wales failed.
World Cup in France kicks off on September 8 and on the next day England face Argentina for their opening game.
