Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
DUBLIN — England's preparations for the Rugby World Cup have been plunged into further chaos after Billy Vunipola was red-carded for a dangerous tackle in a 29-10 loss to top-ranked Ireland in a warmup match illuminated by a stunning late try by Keith Earls. Vunipola is the only specialist No. 8 in England's World Cup squad. He saw his yellow card upgraded to a red by the newly introduced bunker review system after smashing his right shoulder into the face of Ireland prop Andrew Porter in the 53rd minute at Lansdowne Road. A disciplinary panel will determine the length of Vunipola's suspension but he is in danger of missing the start of the World Cup. So is captain Owen Farrell, who missed the match in Dublin amid his own disciplinary process.







