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England star branded 'reckless' to miss All Blacks Tests
By Ian Cameron
England second row Charlie Ewels is set to miss his side’s series against the All Blacks after getting red-carded against Japan.
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Despite the 52-17 victory being in the bag, Ewels managed to get red-carded despite being on the field for just six minutes and having been sent off in his last international appearance for England.
Ewels becomes the first player ever to be red-carded in consecutive Test matches after he was given his marching by the match day referee.
The Bath second-row will now almost certainly miss the upcoming internationals against the All Blacks through suspension after a dangerous clear-out on Michael Leitch.
The 28-year-old was making his return to the England jersey when he came off the bench against the Brave Blossoms in the 66th minute – earning his first cap since his red card against Ireland during the 2022 Six Nations.
With England on the attack in the 73rd minute, Ewels misjudged his clear-out at the breakdown as he came in from the side and hit his shoulder into Leitch’s knee taking the Japan captain to the ground.
Nasty this from Charlie Ewels.
Got it all wrong. pic.twitter.com/VR4Mi9Mkxy
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 22, 2024
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One fan wrote on X: “RIP Charlie Ewels’ international career. That should be a red. Brainless. Off feet, in at the side, straight into Leitch’s knee. Reckless at best, filthy at worst. Hope Leitch is ok.”
Another irate fan wrote: “That’s the end of Ewels’ tour, so needless and dangerous, Leitch was fortunate not to do a ligament because of it. Thought his inclusion was odd in the first place,” while another pointed out: “Incredibly dangerous, looked pretty intentional also. Feel bad for Leitch’s seasoned knees. Bit of a dog shot in all honesty. Hate seeing those. Needs a bit of sports psych to redirect that initial rush of blood. Certainly needs an international time out.”
It could be the end of the Ewels’ Test career. He has earned over 30 caps for England since his debut in 2016. Ewels plays as a lock for Bath, where he has made over 130 appearances since joining the senior squad in 2014. He captained England U20s to the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship final and has also featured for the Bulls.
horrible challenge, reminded me of Darcy Swain v Tupaea 2 years ago and i think Ewels is England’s Swain. Good at club level but bang average international and very reckless discipline-wise. Hopefully do not see him in the jersey again
You’ve perfectly described Swain too. Glad to see he missed Joe’s extended squad. This one looked even worse. Disgraceful attack on the knee.