England centre Piers Francis faces ban after being cited for high tackle on Will Hooley in World Cup win – The Sun

PIERS FRANCIS is sweating on his World Cup future after he was cited for a high hit on America's Will Hooley.

The England centre, 29, wiped out the USA full-back just seven seconds into their 45-7 win – with it now looking unlikely Francis will play any more part during the pool stages.

As the Northampton Saints back made contact with the Hooley's head, Francis is staring at an automatic six-week ban – but will likely get it reduced if England can argue any mitigating circumstances.

If Francis pleads guilty and the panel also take into account his clean record, then it is more likely he will get any possible sentence halved.

Francis' challenge straight from kick-off went unpunished during the match as referee Nic Berry opted not to review it despite the crackdown on high tackles.

Hooley was taken to hospital after the game because he suffered another heavy tackle later on by flanker Mark Wilson.

A World Rugby statement said: "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.

"The player will attend a hearing before an independent Judicial Committee chaired by Nigel Hampton QC (New Zealand), joined by former international coach Frank Hadden (Scotland) and former international referee José Luis Rolandi (Argentina).

"The hearing will take place in Tokyo on a date to be agreed with the player and his representatives."

England coach Eddie Jones confessed his side would accept any disciplinary action against Francis.

He said: "It is what it is. We never discuss that area, we leave it to the judiciary or citing commissioner or whoever, and we’ll take whatever is handed out."

USA flanker John Quill has also been called in front of World Rugby's panel after he smashed his shoulder into the face of Owen Farrell.

The England star avoided any serious injury but Quill was shown the first red card of the World Cup and his tournament is over.

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