All Blacks lock Scott Barrett avoids Rugby World Cup 2023 ban

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.

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Barrett, 29, was shown a second yellow card for dangerous play at a ruck in Friday’s loss 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.

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“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.

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The Crusaders’ Scott 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 George Moala will be unavailable until his country’s final pool game after being banned for a dangerous tackle.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse