Piers Francis cited for dangerous tackle

England centre Piers Francis has been cited for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous high tackle) in England’s Rugby World Cup 2019 match against USA on 26 September.

He will attend a hearing before an independent Judicial Committee, with the hearing taking place in Tokyo on a date to be agreed with the player and his representatives.

Francis now becomes the fourth player cited at the World Cup following World Rugby's promised clampdown on high tackles and the governing body's public reprimand for its referees earlier this week.

The 29-year-old now faces a potential ban that could rule him out for the rest of the tournament.