England flanker Marlie Packer avoids ban for World Cup opener after red card
Packer was sent off for a dangerous clearout having been deemed to have targeted the lower leg of a Spanish player during the Red Roses ' 97-7 warm-up win at Welford Road.
Her dismissal led to fears that the 35-year-old flanker would be unavailable for the opening game of the upcoming tournament against the United States in Sunderland on Friday 22 August.
But Packer has received only a short ban, which will be served for next week's game against France in Mont-de-Marsan, and be eligible for selection come the start of the tournament. Packer was given a two-match ban, with the sanction cut in half after full mitigation was considered.
A World Rugby statement said: 'Packer's actions were reckless, and although the initial contact was on the Spanish player's back, the secondary movement resulted in significant body weight being placed on the Spanish player's leg/knee. The committee also noted that the Spanish player avoided injury.'
The veteran, a World Cup winner in 2014, skippered the side in Leicester despite losing the full-time captaincy to lock Zoe Aldcroft at the start of the year, and produced an impressive performance before her ruck misdeed.
for England boss John Mitchell entering the tournament.
The vastly experienced Alex Matthews, breakthrough star Maddie Feaunati, all-action openside Sadia Kabeya and Abi Burton, a former sevens stalwart, are the other specialist back rows in the squad alongside Packer.
Captain Aldcroft and fellow lock Morwenna Talling can also feature across the back row.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
10 minutes ago
- BBC News
Monaghan 'proud' of Ireland's second-half showing
Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan says she was "really proud" of her side's second-half performance in their 47-26 defeat to Canada in their final warm-up game before the Women's Rugby World Cup, Ireland recovered from conceding five first-half tries to score three of their own after the while they ultimately lost by 21 points, Monaghan was happy with their response after a tough opening half."I think our discipline let us down in the first half, but we've been put in situations in this game that we've needed to go forward so I'm really proud of our second-half performance," Monaghan told BBC Sport NI's Orla Bannon."We needed to be more physical. We didn't have much ball in the first half, so we needed to keep it. "And again, just be really clean around the ruck and keep our discipline going forward but I think we really flipped that on it's head in the second half."Head coach Scott Bemand made 10 changes from the side that fought back to beat Scotland last weekend but there was no heroic comeback this week against the number two ranked side in the Bemand starting to mould his starting team for their opening World Cup match with Japan in two weeks' time, attention now turns to Monday's squad announcement."Everyone that's been involved has gotten us to this point," Monaghan added."I wish everyone could get on the plane, but I have to say it's a squad effort and it's tough."I think we've become really connected as a group, so it makes that a lot more tough when girls aren't on the plane but hopefully, we can do them proud over there."
Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
From Hollywood royalty to music icons: Which celebrities support YOUR favourite Premier League club ahead of the new season?
When you think of a typical fan of English football, it would be fair to assume that the glamorous faces seen at the most exclusive events in Hollywood do not come to mind – but these women are proving that football fever doesn't discriminate and can grip anybody. For some supporters, they're bound to a football club for life because of the community they grew up in – ingrained in a football team for as long as they can remember, despairing over results week after week. For others all it takes is one game, or even just one individual player, to become infatuated with the sport at any age. Ask any of these women – once that bond has been forged, it's never going to be broken. Actresses, models and singers from all over the world have become smitten with these Premier League clubs over the years and some of their allegiances might surprise you – like the Oscar-winning actress who follows Fulham from the other side of the world. When the Premier League starts again, keep an eye out for the crowd; you might be surprised with who you see cheering their team on! Here, Mail Sport looks at some of the famous fans who will be supporting top flight clubs in the new campaign. Kim Kardashian – Arsenal The ' Keeping up with the Kardashians ' star was seen on a tour around European football grounds with her son Saint and some of his friends, with the highlight being a trip to The Emirates to watch Saints' beloved Arsenal. Whilst the trip was planned for the enjoyment of her son, Kardashian, 44, admitted after the game that her favourite player was Arsenal's very own Bukayo Saka, who called the reality star and her kids on FaceTime after the game. The English forward clearly made a big impression on Kardashian, despite her being labelled as a 'curse' by fans of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, who both lost the games she attended. In her documentary, Kim told sister Kylie that it was 'so fun to be, like, a sports mom'. She continued, 'I'm into it now. I love my girls, but a girl is like… steals your clothes, has an attitude, you know. There's nothing like being a boy mom. Seriously, it's the best!' Vanessa Kirby – Chelsea Star of Marvel's new blockbuster Fantastic Four: First Steps, Kirby's profile has sky-rocketed over the last few years, stemming from her excellent portrayal of Princess Margaret in Netflix drama The Crown. Born in Wimbledon, the actress has kept quiet about her sporting loyalties – until she was asked to choose between Arsenal and Tottenham on the red carpet. Kirby gave the reporter a stern look of disapproval before saying, 'Oh, that's... Chelsea!' The moment went viral amongst the Chelsea fanbase, with supporters of The Blues more than happy to accept the BAFTA winning actress into their ranks. Although, we can't be sure about her attendance, as Kirby is yet to be spotted at Stamford Bridge. Much like the title of her latest box-office hit, Chelsea fans will be patiently waiting for Vanessa to take her first steps into the London-based stadium! Anne Hathaway – Arsenal During a press tour for her film The Idea of You in April 2024, Hathaway was unable to contain her excitement for a goal during an interview as she celebrated Leandro Trossard's strike for Arsenal against Wolves. In doing so, she exposed herself as an avid fan of The Gunners. Belgian forward Trossard then sent a video message to Hathaway, thanking her for her support and inviting the actress down to The Emirates for a game, although it doesn't seem as though the Hollywood star has taken him up on the offer yet. The star of The Devil Wears Prada did recently re-affirm her support for Arsenal, making sure there were no doubts as to where her loyalty lies with her own cover of Arsenal's iconic song North London Forever on her TikTok page. Born in Brooklyn, it's unclear how Anne Hathaway became so obsessed with Arsenal, but one thing is clear – the Interstellar actress knows her stuff about the sport, and Gooners should be keeping an eye out for her next season. Cara Delevingne - Chelsea Model and actress Cara Delevingne was in no way shy when she watched Chelsea beat Man United last year, appearing very animated in the stands. Donning a personalised Chelsea shirt with her name on the back, Delevingne cheered as English star Cole Palmer netted a hat-trick against the Red Devils, with two goals coming in added time. The West End star couldn't have picked a better game to watch her beloved Chelsea, who she has been publicly following since 2014, but in her private life, she's supported The Blues since childhood. Fans may be looking to 32-year-old Cara to introduce fellow Londoner Kirby to Stamford Bridge in the upcoming season – it wouldn't be a bad experience for her in the owners' box. Megan Fox – Manchester United The 39-year-old Transformers star is yet to come out and officially stake her loyalty towards a football club – however, Fox has been spotted in Man United gear on more than one occasion. In 2012, the actress was photographed in the Red Devils' iconic red colours, wearing the name of Mexican forward Javier Hernandez, also known as 'Chicharito', on the back. Separately, Megan wore a shirt featuring the Mexican striker again, with his face next to the logo of Manchester United and the simple message: 'CHICHARITO'S TEAM'. In fairness, it seems as though the 39-year-old from Tennessee may just be a fan of Javier Hernandez; regardless, the Manchester United fans are claiming her as one of their own. Margot Robbie – Fulham Fulham have a history of unexpected celebrity connections – first, a statue of Michael Jackson outside Craven Cottage stadium and now, the unwavering support of Australian actress Margot Robbie. 'I've pledged my allegiance to Fulham, so I want Fulham to win' said the Barbie star. Her loyalty to the London club comes from husband Tom Ackerley, with the film producer being a huge supporter of his local club. Fresh off her newfound fame from The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie first visited Craven Cottage in 2014, when Fulham were defeated 1-0 by Millwall in the Championship. Since then, the Cottagers have been promoted to the top division and solidified their place in the Premier League; the Australian will have been delighted with the 10th place finish for Marco Silva's men last season. Angelina Jolie – Liverpool Angelina's ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton is a huge Liverpool fan, and, whilst the two have been separated for years, it is widely reported that she is still affectionate towards Liverpool FC. Two of her children, Shiloh and Maddox, are also passionate supporters of the Merseyside club who 'only want to play for Liverpool' – it's hard to imagine that their mother didn't have some sway in their love for the team. Jolie has never come out and publicly stated that she supports Liverpool, so it's unsurprising that she hasn't been seen at Anfield. However, with an ex-husband who loves the club and two boys who wear Liverpool gear head to toe; she's at least an honorary Liverpool fan, even if she won't say it herself. Dame Judi Dench – Everton Born in Yorkshire, 90-year-old Dame Judi Dench is a big fan of The Toffees and has been an honorary patron of the club's charity for over a decade. Dame Judi was introduced to the club by late husband and avid supporter Michael Williams and kept Everton in the family by taking her grandson Sam to a number of matches – he was never going to be anything except a Blue. The stage and screen star was one of several famous faces who shared some words at the end of last season, commemorating the legendary Goodison Park as The Toffees prepared to move into their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Few celebrities are as committed to their football teams as Dame Judi, a testament to her dedication and loyalty. The former James Bond star was introduced to the club by late husband and avid supporter Michael Williams Lana Del Rey – Liverpool Lana first visited Anfield in 2013, posing with captain and legend Steven Gerrard. 26 years old at the time, she said she followed Liverpool as well as Celtic due to her then-boyfriend, however as time has passed her loyalties have focused on the Reds. 'I was introduced to Liverpool FC by my manager, Ben, whose mood is dependent on the Liverpool results. I love watching Luis Suarez play,' said the singer. 'It's actually my second time in Liverpool but my first time at Anfield. The people in Liverpool are so friendly and the stadium's really impressive.' Lana covered the famous Liverpool anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in 2020 for a documentary about the football club and returned to Anfield this summer as part of her UK and Ireland tour. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown has been a Liverpool fan since her dad bought her a shirt as a child Millie Bobby Brown – Liverpool The third and final Liverpool supporter on this list, Stranger Things superstar Millie Bobby Brown has been enchanted by the Merseyside team since her dad bought her a Liverpool shirt at a young age. Millie was in the stands with Adolescence actor Owen Cooper to watch Liverpool secure their 20th Premier League title against Tottenham last season. The Reds eased past the north London side 5-1 to ensure they lifted the title, kicking off the celebrations for the two young stars watching on. She was seen at Anfield as early as 2016 when she was catapulted to fame by her performance as Eleven in the popular Netflix show, but it wouldn't be surprising to find out she had been in attendance at Anfield long before then. At the time, when Millie was just 12 years old, she was asked if she can still watch games due to the time difference in America, which she answered with a resounding yes: 'When I'm in America, it is like 4am and we're watching the game. When we're here, it's obviously whenever the games are on. We get people over – it's an event for us,' she told Liverpool.
The Independent
12 minutes ago
- The Independent
Why Man United's imperfect pre-season finale opens the door for greater things
It was about the goalscorer and the goalkeeper, the future and the past. Benjamin Sesko took to the Old Trafford pitch for the first time, but in a tracksuit top, a few minutes before kick-off, his unveiling coming as a spectator. David de Gea may have played at the ground he long graced for the last time, a pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Fiorentina at least giving him the farewell he was denied when released two years ago. Perhaps it was United's transfers in microcosm, the excitement of the expensive arrival, the disappointment of the cheap exit. But Sesko, whose £65m arrival from RB Leipzig was finalised earlier in the morning, was hailed by United director of football Jason Wilcox as a player with the potential to be world class. And De Gea, at his best, was: United's four-time player of the year, a man who topped 500 appearances for them and, before the decline of his final few seasons, ranked among the finest goalkeepers in the game. He was presented with a framed montage by his former teammate Bruno Fernandes before the game; there were further cheers when he prevented Harry Maguire from scoring a spectacular long-range goal and he came off to a standing ovation a couple of minutes before the end. It meant that De Gea missed a penalty shootout - perhaps, having saved none of Villarreal 's 11 spot kicks in the 2021 Europa League final, that was just as well – which United won to get a meaningless trophy; it probably wasn't what Sesko had in mind when he talked of securing silverware in his time at the club. For the record, Altay Bayindir saved well from Fabiano Parisi while Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo suggested United should at least be proficient from 12 yards this season. Cunha, like Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko, has been brought in to render them more prolific. As Sesko watched a 1-1 draw, United's goal came not from either of the other additions in a £200m overhaul of the attack but from Fiorentina's Robin Gosens; if it is to prove the last De Gea ever concedes at Old Trafford, it was an own goal from a colleague, following Fernandes' corner. At least Cunha and Mbeumo offered hints they could combine profitably. 'I think they are maybe 50, 60 percent of what they can do,' said Amorim. The former Brentford man can also add another dimension with a left-footer to complement Fernandes' right-footed delivery at set-pieces. 'The way we are kicking the ball give us a lot of chances to score,' added Amorim. De Gea's best save came from a menacing Mbeumo free kick, met by Leny Yoro. The Cameroonian spent the second half operating as centre-forward, though his starting position as the right-sided No 10 looks a greater indication of his position for the season, with Fernandes in midfield and Amad at right wing-back. The questionable benefit of the afternoon was a fine display. by Mason Mount. His work rate, Amorim said, was 'unbelievable'. But, integral to the tactical plan two years ago, when he was one of the flagship summer signings, Mount may find his path to the side blocked by three new arrivals now. He started as a centre-forward, clearly a locum while United were waiting for Sesko. It was nevertheless part of a recent tradition. Midfielders can find themselves leading the line in the modern United. Mainoo was an ersatz centre-forward a couple of times last season, with a conspicuous lack of success. In 2022, Christian Eriksen 's debut came as a false nine. Three years on, a bona fide striker who cost a similar amount to Sesko lingered unused. As Mount operated as a striker, it could have been another hint to Rasmus Hojlund about his place in the pecking order and that Sesko's arrival could prompt his departure. But, given United's struggles to sell Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, it may not be easy to offload a £72m buy. It can be the cycle of United signings, from the early optimism to the way it unravels. For now, though, United are enthused by Sesko. "He has the characteristics that we needed,' said Amorim. 'Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working. That is also important. He is really young, he is good in the air, he is good running the channels and he is good on the ball, so I think he has great potential. I think he can improve a lot. For sure, he is going to feel at home in our club. He is the right character in this group." Sunday's game against Arsenal may offer a first indication if he is the right striking signing. United enter it with a couple of causes for concern. Defending corners represented an issue early in Amorim's reign and the unmarked Simon Sohm volleyed in after several United defenders got drawn to the ball. United looked susceptible to the aerial ball again when Sohm headed against the bar. 'We are going to struggle in some moments,' warned Amorim. It was scarcely a rallying cry. It remains to be seen how prophetic he proves.
