RFU says Farrell can play in Six Nations opener upon completion of ban

Farrell was handed a four-match ban earlier this week for a dangerous, high tackle on Jack Clement in a Premiership match between Saracens and Gloucester.

When announcing the ban, the RFU said that the four-match ban will be reduced to a three-week ban if Farrell completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

The three-week ban means he will miss two European and one Premiership match for Saracens but frees him to play for England against Scotland on February 4 and Italy on February 12, both at Twickenham.

"The RFU has written to Saracens confirming the availability of Owen Farrell for the Saracens game against Bristol Bears on January 28," the governing body said on Saturday.

"After a three-week ban and completing the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, Farrell would be available for selection for England v Scotland on Saturday, February 4, 2023."

Farrell would not normally have been available to face the Bears on January 28, as he would have been part of the England training camp ahead of the game against Scotland.