All Blacks lock Scott Barrett avoids Rugby World Cup ban
"The independent judicial committee found that sending off was a sufficient sanction in this case."
Scott Barrett will be available for the All Blacks in their opening match of the World Cup. Picture: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
New Zealand lock Scott Barrett has avoided a ban after being shown a red card in last weekend’s record loss to South Africa, World Rugby announced on Monday.
Barrett, 29, was shown a second yellow card for dangerous play at a ruck in Friday’s defeat to Rugby World Cup holders the Springboks.
He had earlier been sin-binned in his side’s last match before the tournament, which they open against hosts France on September 8.
“The independent judicial committee found that sending off was a sufficient sanction in this case because the player was sent off for two yellow cards,” World Rugby said.
“The first of those yellow cards was for a technical offence following a team warning,” it added.
Suspended players
The Crusaders’ Barrett also avoided following the fate of England captain Owen Farrell and their No. 8 Billy Vunipola in missing matches for their side at next month’s World Cup.
Tonga centre Georga Maoala will be unavailable until his country’s final pool game after being banned for a dangerous tackle.
