- England flanker Tom Curry was sent off for a high tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia
- Due to his good character, the suspension was reduced from six weeks
- Boss Steve Borthwick will now be without a star against both Japan and Chile
England winger Tom Curry has been banned for two matches after being sent off in the World Cup opener against Argentina.
Curry will miss the Pool D matches against Japan and Chile after being sent off due to a head-on collision with full-back Juan Cruz Mallía.
The offense carried a six-week suspension, but this was reduced to three due to Curry’s good character, before another week was suspended as he attended tackle school.
He is expected to complete the course with England defense coach Kevin Sinfield.
It is a major blow to Steve Borthwick’s plans as he has been without a striker for the entire summer warm-up series due to injury.
England winger Tom Curry has been given a two-match ban for his head-on-head high tackle
Curry was initially shown a yellow card in the third minute before the officials reversed the decision
Curry is the third England player to be suspended in recent weeks, following the sending off of captain Owen Farrell and No.8 Billy Vunipola.
Speaking about the number 8’s potential 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 very smart, he puts himself in great positions and has great hands.
‘He has more threat than just being a big ball carrier. He is very smart and knows when to push it and also change the point of contact for other players. It’s great that we have him available.’
More to follow.