Marlie Packer (England) has been suspended for one match after the Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the red card received for a Law 9.20(e) offence (targeting or dropping weight on the lower limbs) during England's match against Spain at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on 2 August 2025. The sanction was accepted by the player.
The FPRC was chaired by Helen Morgan (New Zealand), joined by former international player, Ofisa Tonu'u (New Zealand), and former international player, Sarah Smith (Scotland).
In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.
The FPRC has the power to:
- Issue a warning
- Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
- Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
- Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity
In determining the sanction, the FPRC noted the player accepted that foul play occurred, but did not accept that the offence warranted a red card. The committee reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, and determined that Packer's actions were contrary to Law 9.20(e) (targeting/dropping on the lower limbs) and that her actions were reckless, and although the initial contact was on the Spanish player's back, the secondary movement resulted in significant body weight being placed on the Spanish player's leg/knee. The committee also noted that the Spanish player avoided injury.
On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted a low-end entry point of two matches. The committee decided to award full 50 per cent mitigation resulting in a final sanction of one match.
Packer is therefore suspended for England's next match against France on 9 August 2025.
Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.
Visit World Rugby’s disciplinary hub here.
