England Under-20 flanker Seb Kelly received a straight red card for headbutting South Africa’s Luan Giliomee in a 53-37 semi-final defeat in Tbilisi, Georgia.
England had gone 17-7 ahead against the defending champions through tries by Ollie Streeter and Hugh Shields. After the whistle, Kelly lunged at Giliomee as the full-back lay on the ground and made contact with his face. Referee Kevin Bralley reviewed the incident on the television match official’s advice before sending Kelly off.
England still led 20-12 at half-time, but South Africa scored five tries after the break to end their bid to regain the age-grade world title. A foul play review committee is due to assess Kelly’s actions on Tuesday and propose a sanction, which he may accept or challenge at a further hearing.
England will play New Zealand in Saturday’s third-place play-off, while South Africa will face France for the title.
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