Due to his red card against Ireland, England’s number eight Billy Vunipola will miss their World Cup opener against Argentina.

For a high challenge on Ireland’s Andrew Porter on Saturday, which was later escalated to a red card, he received a yellow card.

The three-game suspension for Vunipola may be lowered to two if he successfully completes the World Rugby tackling coaching program.

This Saturday’s exhibition game between England and Fiji is the last one.

On September 8, the World Cup in France will get underway, and on September 9, England will play Argentina.

Given that Vunipola is the only specialist number eight chosen for his 33-player World Cup team, England coach Steve Borthwick will need to use the Fiji game to consider alternatives.

For England’s opening two pool games, Borthwick will also be missing captain Owen Farrell after World Rugby was successful in their appeal of the decision to reverse his red card in the victory over Wales on August 12.