6 hours ago
1
Flanker Marlie Packer will be available for England's opening game in the Women's Rugby World Cup after she received a one-match ban on Sunday.
The Red Roses are overwhelming favourites to win the World Cup on home soil, with the action set to get way in just under three weeks.
Stand-in captain Packer was sent off on Saturday during England's thumping 97-7 win over Spain in the team's penultimate warm-up match in Leicester.
- How Lionesses inspired Red Roses for home World Cup challenge
- Scarratt selected for record fifth World Cup
- Waterman: Why Women's Lions tour of New Zealand will be so special
In a ruck clearout, her shoulder targeted and bent the leg of full-back Claudia Pena.
Packer did not accept it was a red card offence at her disciplinary hearing but the panel disagreed and considered the foul play reckless.
She will miss England's final warm-up against France next Saturday.
England open the World Cup against the United States on August 22 in Sunderland.
