England women's rugby vice-captain Marlie Packer has been handed a two-match ban following her red card in the 97-7 World Cup warmup win over Spain. The 35-year-old back-rower was sent off for a dangerous clearout on Spain full-back Clàudia Peña in the 61st minute at Welford Road.
Packer expressed remorse after the match, saying she was 'absolutely gutted' for the team. Head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the decision, stating: 'We'll have to suffer the consequences, that's the reality. We understand the process and I certainly won't break our circle.'
The ban means Packer will miss England's final warmup match against France next weekend and the World Cup opener against the USA on 22 August. However, Mitchell indicated the squad would not be altered, noting: 'I think we might get a couple of weeks. So that's easy to deal with.'
Despite the dismissal, England dominated the match, with Helena Rowland scoring a hat-trick and Sarah Bern crossing twice. The Red Roses ran in 15 tries in a polished performance ahead of the home World Cup.
