Rugby World Cup 2023: Tom Curry to face disciplinary committee after red card

Tom Curry was sin-binned in the third minute against Argentina, with the decision later upgraded to a red card

England's Tom Curry will appear before a disciplinary committee on Tuesday following his red card against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup.

The flanker was sent off in the 11th minute of England's 27-10 win in their opening game in the tournament.

He was dismissed for his challenge on Argentina's Juan Cruz Mallia that resulted in the pair clashing heads.

Curry was initially given a yellow card, which was upgraded to red by the new 'bunker' review system.

A statement from World Rugby on Sunday read: "Tom Curry will appear before an independent judicial committee in Paris having received a red card for an offence contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle).

"At the player's request, the hearing will take place on Tuesday evening, 12 September."

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Curry became the third England player to be sent off in their last four games, all of them via the new review system.

Refereeing around dangerous challenges is now more strict as part of World Rugby's efforts to reduce head injuries.

Curry, who was playing his first game since last season's Premiership final, was the first England player to be sent off in a World Cup.

He challenged Argentina full-back Mallia for a high ball after two minutes and 59 seconds and was given a yellow card which was upgraded eight minutes later.

The Sale flanker is likely to face a similar ban to fellow back row Billy Vunipola - which was two games for his high challenge on Ireland's Andrew Porter - if he completes World Rugby's coaching programme on tackling.

'George is unbelievable' - Tuilagi

Curry's Sale team-mate George Ford was at the heart of an impressive victory that places England in control of Pool D.

Ford landed three drop-goals and six penalties, as well as delivering a tactical masterclass, to steer England to a remarkable victory in Marseille.

"George is unbelievable," said Manu Tuilagi, who also plays his club rugby at Sale and had to switch to from centre to flanker when Curry was sent off at Stade Velodrome.

"He's a player who has been there and done it all. We look to him in tough times and he stepped up against Argentina.

"He deserves everything he's got because he's worked so hard to get back and play well.

"He's a mastermind. He lives and breathes rugby, and he loves it. Having the love of what you do means you enjoy it. It wasn't perfect but that's life, it can never be perfect."

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