Marlie Packer, ready for England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup debut
Flanker Marlie Packer will be available for England’s opening match at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, after serving a one-match suspension. The interim captain, Packer, was sent off on Saturday during the 97-7 victory over Spain in a World Cup warm-up match in Leicester. In one play, his shoulder impacted and bent the leg of fullback Claudia Pena. Packer did not accept that it was a red card in his disciplinary hearing, but the panel disagreed and considered the foul reckless. England will miss their final warm-up match against France next Saturday.England debuts in the World Cup against the United States on August 22 in Sunderland.