England Star Marlie Packer Faces Disciplinary Hearing After Red Card in Warm-Up Match

As England's national rugby team, the Red Roses, gear up for the upcoming World Cup on home soil, their preparations have hit a snag. In their recent warm-up match against Spain, which took place approximately two weeks ago, veteran flanker Marlie Packer, who was captaining the team, was sent off 19 minutes from the final whistle for an illegal clearout on the Spanish full-back Claudia Pena.

This dismissal has now put Packer's availability for the start of the World Cup in doubt, as she will face a disciplinary hearing to determine her fate. England is set to play France next weekend in their final warm-up match before their World Cup opener against the United States on August 22.

Despite the setback, England's performance against Spain was nothing short of ruthless. Versatile back Helena Rowland scored a hat-trick, while number eight Maddie Feaunati, scrum-half Lucy Packer, wing Jess Breach, prop Sarah Bern, and centre Jade Shekells all crossed the try line in the first half. Bern added another try early in the second half, and Rowland completed her treble shortly after. Lock Lilli Ives Campion also scored for the top-ranked Test rugby nation.

Spain, ranked 13th in the world and set to face Ireland in Pool C at the World Cup, managed a consolation try through 19-year-old Harlequins player Pena, which was converted by fly-half Amalia Argudo. England's full-back Emma Sing and replacements May Campbell, Hannah Botterman, Abby Dow, and vice-captain Megan Jones completed the scoring for the dominant Red Roses.