Owen Farrell: Saracens fly-half escapes citing for high tackle

Owen Farrell apologised to Anthony Watson for the tackle after Saturday's Aviva Premiership final

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell has escaped a citing for his high tackle on Bath full-back Anthony Watson during Saturday's Aviva Premiership final.

The Rugby Football Union [RFU] has instead issued a disciplinary warning over the second-minute tackle in Sarries' 28-16 victory at Twickenham.

Farrell later apologised for the challenge on his England team-mate.

The decision means Farrell, 23, is free to play in England's three World Cup warm-up matches in August.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "It is a big relief. I thought Owen was excellent on Saturday and I'm relieved he's not got any disciplinary action - I've had enough of those I can assure you."

Lancaster will go into the tournament on home soil without Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley and Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi, who have been dropped for disciplinary reasons.

Farrell was named man of the match and contributed 18 points to Saracens' victory over Bath.