England skipper Owen Farrell regrets tackle on Charlie Atkinson

England skipper Owen Farrell said he regrets involving in a high tackle on Charlie Atkinson during Saracens' Premiership game against Wasps last month.

Farrell was sent-off in the 61st minute during the game and was handed a 10-week ban that was reduced by half following the mitigating factors. As a result, he was forced to miss Saracens' play-off games in the Heineken Championship but has now returned for the national side ahead of the crucial final round of the Six Nations tournament to be played in Rome on Saturday.

“Obviously no-one wants to be involved in an incident like. Not for it to end up the way it did – a player getting injured and myself getting sent off,” Farrell said.

“Obviously there was no real intent to do that. That was never what I was trying to do, but at the same time that is what happened and you have a good look at yourself when that happens.

“In terms of technique, yeah, I want to get better. More than anything I am excited to play.

“I have been working on everything, not just tackling technique, which I would work on anyway. The main thing is I can’t wait to get out on the field and get playing.

“I am doing everything I can to make sure I am in the best place I possibly can be for Italy. I am in a position now where I can’t wait to play and I am looking forward to it.”