England’s Ellis Genge avoids citing for Johnny Sexton altercation

England prop Ellis Genge has escaped a citing for his altercation with Johnny Sexton in Saturday's Guinness Six Nations rout by Ireland.

Genge wrestled with Sexton under the posts as Eddie Jones’s team launched a late assault at the Aviva Stadium with footage appearing to show him run his elbow across the Ireland captain’s head.

For a disciplinary hearing to be triggered the offence has to be worthy of a red card but the deadline for a citing has passed, meaning Genge has no case to answer.

The combative Leicester prop came on at half-time of England's Six Nations finale in Dublin after Mako Vunipola was replaced for giving away successive scrum penalties.

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He produced a number of strong carries until his fracas with Sexton, who was lying beneath him when they tangled. The two exchanged words having both been spoken to by referee Mathieu Raynal.

England’s recent slump is reflected in the latest world rankings in which they have dropped to fourth following their 32-18 defeat by Ireland.

They started the Six Nations in second place on the strength of an eight-Test winning streak that secured the 2020 Championship and the Autumn Nations Cup, only for losses to Scotland, Wales and Ireland to send them hurtling downwards.

And but for Jonny May’s 79th-minute consolation try at the Aviva Stadium they would have sunk to fifth, which is occupied by Andy Farrell’s team.