England captain Owen Farrell has been hit with a four week ban and will miss the side’s opening two matches of the Rugby World Cup.

The new ban comes after World Rugby appealed against the initial decision to overturn the red card he received against Wales earlier this month.

Farrell was initially yellow-carded for the high, dangerous tackle on Wales flanker Taine Basham in England’s 19-17 win in the World Cup warmup game at Twickenham. It was later upgraded to a red card after video review but an independent judicial committee said that decision was wrong, citing a “sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier” before Farrell attempted the tackle.

World Rugby reviewed the committee’s full written decision and said it would appeal, with an independent appeal committee set to be appointed “at the earliest possible opportunity,” the global governing body said.

That decision was made this morning with a four week ban given.

England open their World Cup against Argentina on September 10 before playing Japan eight days later. Farrell will be available for the third pool game against Chile and the team’s final pool game against Samoa.

England are also awaiting the decision on a ban for prop Billy Vunipola who was given a red card against Ireland over the weekend. He will learn his fate for a dangerous tackle tomorrow NZT.