Owen Farrell says high tackle that led to World Cup suspension ‘a mistake’

Owen Farrell admits the tackle that resulted in his suspension for Saturday’s World Cup opener against Argentina was a mistake.

England’s captain is “gutted” to be unavailable for the pivotal Marseille showdown after his dangerous hit on Wales’ Taine Basham last month resulted in a four-match suspension that ends after the Pool D clash with Japan.

Farrell initially had his red card downgraded to a yellow by a disciplinary hearing, only for World Rugby to appeal against the decision, which was upheld.

“Obviously you don’t want to go back too far and I don’t want to be sat here talking about this now. I want to be talking about the weekend,” said Farrell, speaking about the incident for the first time.

“I made a mistake and I got banned for it in the end. I’m not going to sit here and moan about it now.

“I’m excited for this World Cup to start. I’m excited to see what this team can do and I look forward to being available again.

“I’m gutted not to be playing and I’m gutted not to be available. Especially a big game like this at the weekend.

“I’ve even always wanted to play at Stade Velodrome, ever since watching the quarter-final in 2007.

“I’m excited for the team now. There’s a real good feeling about the World Cup starting in France now. I’m excited to play my role in that.”

When asked if he immediately realised his shoulder-led challenge on Basham at Twickenham on September was a red card offence, Farrell replied: “I didn’t know at the time. I knew when it came on the big screen.

“It is what it is. I’ve been banned, I accept that I’ve been banned. I’m gutted not to be playing but I’m trying to do everything I can for this team.”

Courtney Lawes is expected to lead England in Farrell’s absence when head coach Steve Borthwick names his team on Thursday.

Lawes took part in training at the squad’s camp in Le Touquet on Monday and was joined by Kyle Sinckler, George Martin, Elliot Daly and Henry Arundell, who have also been receiving treatment for injuries.

Borthwick is confident England will be selecting from a position of strength when he finalises his starting XV after delivering a clean bill of health.

A run of five defeats in six Tests has seen expectations of mounting a meaningful World Cup challenge plummet but flanker Lewis Ludlam insists flying under the radar brings its own benefits.

“We are obviously under pressure, but coming into a tournament as underdog is a beautiful position to be in,” the Northampton captain said.

“With lower expectation, you can free yourself up more easily. You can express yourselves because nothing is given to you.

“Sometimes when you are number one and you have achieved things pre-tournament, you can be reaching for that too much.

“When you are a little bit behind and your backs up against a wall, you are a lot more present with things. Personally I think that’s a nice spot to be in.

“Obviously it would have been brilliant to be coming in off the back of three or four wins, but the situation we find ourselves in – we have got to enjoy that.”