Contrite Farrell has been working on his tackling technique
OWEN FARRELL has expressed his remorse for the dangerous tackle on Charlie Atkinson that left the Wasps teenager unconscious.
Farrell will make his first appearance since his high challenge on Atkinson on September 5 when he leads England into Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy.
The 29- year- old fly- half was shown a red card and banned for five weeks, forcing him to miss the knockout phase of Saracens’ Champions Cup challenge.
“Obviously no- one wants to be involved in an incident like. Not for it to end up the way it did - a player getting injured and myself getting sent off,” Farrell said.
“Obviously there was no real intent to do that. That was never what I was trying to do, but at the same time that is what happened and you have a good look at yourself when that happens.
“In terms of technique, yeah, I want to get better. More than anything I am excited to play.
“I have been working on everything, not just tackling technique, which I would work on anyway. The main thing is I can’t wait to get out on the field and get playing.
“I am doing everything I can to make sure I am in the best place I possibly can be for Italy. I am in a position now where I can’t wait to play and I am looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, thirteen Barbarians players must appear before a disciplinary hearing for a breach of coronavirus protocols that forced the cancellation of last Sunday’s non- cap international against England.
And in a fresh development, it has emerged that some of those who broke Covid- 19 regulations by going out in central London last week provided false statements during the Rugby Football Union’s investigation.
All 13 have been charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union or the game but will remain unnamed until after proceedings have finished with the independent hearings to be staggered over the coming weeks.
Chris Robshaw, his former England team- mate Richard Wigglesworth and Scotland wing Sean Maitland are among those whose misconduct has cost the RFU in the region of £ 1million in lost broadcast and sponsor revenue.
Among the charges are individual breaches of the protocols, such as leaving the hotel without permission or without informing organisers of their whereabouts, and providing false statements during an investigation.
The available sanctions for a disrepute charge are wideranging and include fines and suspensions.
“The RFU recognises the pressure public scrutiny is placing on the players and therefore it will publish players’ names, full judgements and sanctions after the hearings have concluded,” a statement read.
On Saturday footage emerged of Robshaw, Sean Maitland, Jackson Wray, Joel Kpoku, Fergus McFadden and Manu Vunipola - among others - drinking at the Running Horse pub in Mayfair.
The video that was circulated on social media was from one of the two nights out, the first of which only came to light last Friday and resulted in the automatic cancellation of the annual Barbarians fixtures.
The Metropolitan Police have declined to investigate the gathering despite there appearing to be a number of coronavirus rules being broken.
Five players including Robshaw and Wigglesworth have since issued apologies, while former coach Sir Clive Woodward described the players’ conduct as “ridiculously stupid”.