Henry Arundell avoids ban despite red card against Scotland
Rugby NewsSunday, 15 February 2026 at 08:12
Henry Arundell looks set to be available for England’s crunch Six Nations showdown with Ireland — despite his dismissal against Scotland.
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The winger was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during England’s Calcutta Cup defeat, which under rugby union laws automatically results in a red card.
However, a double yellow does not automatically mean a further suspension.
What Happens Next?
Under Six Nations disciplinary rules, a red card for two separate yellow-card offences is reviewed — but additional bans are not guaranteed.
Unlike a straight red for dangerous or foul play, a dismissal for two technical infringements often ends with the in-match punishment alone.
At the time of writing, there has been no confirmation of a citing or extended suspension, meaning Arundell remains eligible for selection.
Boost For England
That would be a timely lift for England, who now prepare to face a dangerous Ireland side.
With France widely viewed as tournament favourites, the Ireland clash still represents a huge test for Steve Borthwick’s side as they look to respond in what could prove a defining fixture.
Arundell remains one of England’s most explosive attacking weapons — and his availability could be crucial in a game of such fine margins.
Unless a disciplinary panel intervenes in the coming days, all signs currently point to Arundell being cleared to play.
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"2/10" - Six England players who flopped vs Scotland - who should replacement
Here are six England players who flopped at Murrayfield – and who should replace them.
Fraser Dingwall – Exposed in Midfield
Telegraph 3 | Rugby Pass 4
What they said
- Telegraph: “A match where his limitations were exposed opposite a Test Lion. England were cut apart too easily in the midfield.”
- Rugby Pass: “Like every outside England back, Dingwall was totally neutered by a rampant Scottish defence.”
- Planet Rugby: "So often seen as the key link player in this attack, but struggled to really shine with his side’s attack stifled. "
England’s midfield looked alarmingly porous, and Dingwall struggled badly against elite opposition. Defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge in attack left England blunt in the 13 channel.
Replacement: Ollie Lawrence
Henry Arundell – Indiscipline Proves Costly
RUCK 2 | Express 2 | Telegraph 2 | Rugby Pass 2
What they said
- Rugby Pass: Yellow carded for not releasing after scrambling to prevent a try, with England conceding 14 points while he was off. Scored, but his second yellow – and red – for taking Kyle Steyn out in the air was hugely costly.
- Telegraph: “Test rugby can be brutal. Two moments of mistiming and two yellow cards which cost England the game.”
- Express: “Hat-trick hero last week, brainless red card villain this week.”
- RUCK: Two yellow cards in the opening 40 minutes is simply unacceptable at this level.
From hero to villain in seven days. Arundell’s finishing instinct remains sharp, but his discipline handed momentum – and ultimately the match – to Scotland.
Replacement: Ollie Hassell-Collins
Ellis Genge – One Error, Huge Consequences
RUCK 4
What they said
- RUCK: “Was solid at scrum time but it is hard to look past his mistake that led to Scotland’s third. Genge found himself facing his own try-line dealing with a Finn Russell kick through, but fumbled it and let Ben White in for an easy finish.”
The scrum held up reasonably well, but Test rugby is unforgiving. One handling error deep in his own 22 proved catastrophic.
Replacement: Bevan Rodd
Sam Underhill – Hooked at Half-Time
RUCK 5 | Express 5 | Telegraph 4 | Rugby Pass 4 | Planet Rugby 4
What they said
- Rugby Pass: Slipped off a tackle on his Bath Rugby team-mate Finn Russell, who kicked through for Scotland’s third try. Made just five tackles in 40 minutes before being replaced.
- Telegraph: “Uncharacteristically missed a host of tackles which summed up England’s disastrous defence.”
- RUCK: “Came off at half-time after a pretty unremarkable half.”
- Planet Rugby: "Has had better days in an England shirt and certainly will have better days moving forward."
Underhill is usually England’s defensive enforcer. On this occasion, he was uncharacteristically off the pace and paid the price.
Replacement: Tom Curry
Guy Pepper – Quiet in the Chaos
RUCK 5 | Express 5 | Telegraph 5 | Rugby Pass 5
What they said
- Rugby Pass: Three dominant tackles in 56 minutes but struggled to truly influence proceedings.
- Telegraph: Missed a crucial tackle on Finn Russell in the build-up to White’s try and conceded two penalties.
- Express: “Rising star was unusually quiet in the onslaught.”
- RUCK: “Tried and tried but to very little avail.”
- Planet Rugby: "Solid enough, but couldn’t quite have his usual effect on proceedings before being subbed off in the second-half."
A tough afternoon for the young back-rower, who couldn’t impose himself in a ferocious breakdown battle.
Replacement: Henry Pollock
Maro Itoje – Captain Lacked Impact
RUCK 4.5 | Express 5 | Telegraph 4 | Rugby Pass 5
What they said
- Rugby Pass: Left covering too much space for Scotland’s opener, spilled possession in a promising position and didn’t last an hour.
- Telegraph: “England needed more from their captain… Looked off the pace.”
- Express: Good effort before being surprisingly replaced on 56 minutes.
- RUCK: “Got massively outpaced on the wing for Scotland’s first try… Simply didn’t have the desired impact.”
England needed leadership and authority — instead they got a subdued display from their skipper.
Replacement: Alex Coles
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