England have been given a boost with Marlie Packer cleared to feature in their Rugby World Cup opener after receiving a one-match ban for a red card. Packer was sent off for a dangerous clearout having been deemed to have targeted the lower leg of a Spanish player during the Red Roses ’ 97-7 warm-up win at Welford Road.

Flanker Marlie Packer will not miss the start of England's home Women's Rugby World Cup after she was given a one-match for a red card against Spain on Saturday.

Marlie Packer's availability for the start of the World Cup is in doubt after she was sent off in England's crushing 97-7 demolition of Spain. The veteran flanker, who was captaining her country in Leicester,