Marlie Packer To Miss Only Warm-Up, Cleared for Women's Rugby World Cup Opener
England flanker Marlie Packer will only sit out one warm-up match after her red-card ban, ensuring she can play in the Women's Rugby World Cup opener at home.
Packer Faces One-Match Ban
England flanker Marlie Packer has received a one-match suspension for a red-card offence during her side's 97-7 friendly win over Spain, ruling her out of the final warm-up game in France but keeping her eligible for the Women's Rugby World Cup opener against the United States in Sunderland on August 22.
Experience and Leadership
At 35, Packer returned to the field in Leicester, captaining the Red Roses for the first time since handing over the armband to Zoe Aldcroft earlier this year. Despite the ban, Packer remains a vice-captain under John Mitchell and played a key role in England’s back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams in 2023 and 2024.
Competition for Back-Row Spots
England head into the tournament with a 26-match winning streak and are strong favourites following their 2022 World Cup final loss to New Zealand. Packer, who started England’s 2014 World Cup final victory, will face competition in the back row from emerging talents Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya, both of whom started ahead of her in the Six Nations decider against France in April.
With Packer's ban limited to a single game, England can field their experienced vice-captain for the World Cup opener, maintaining their momentum and leadership strength.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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