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High shot on Farrell turns out to be red-carded Quill last ever Test action

Referee Nic Berry shows a red card to USA's John Quill (second left) in Kobe (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

John Quill’s red-carded shoulder charge to the head of England’s Owen Farrell at the World Cup has turned out to be the USA player’s last ever Test rugby action. 

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Despite being just 29 and potentially a contender to feature at France 2023, the Irishman, who made his Eagles debut in November 2012, has decided to bow out following two World Cups and 37 caps. 

Quill made headlines around the rugby world when he became the first player red-carded at the recent finals in Japan when his head-high shoulder shot on England’s Farrell resulted in his sending-off in Kobe near the end of America’s 45-7 defeat. 

The back row was subsequently banned for three weeks, ruling him out of the USA’s three remaining pool matches and rather than stay with the squad, he opted to return home from Japan.

Quill was the first American to ever be red-carded at the finals and the former Gaelic football and hurler from Cork has now decided it is best to retire from international rugby. 

(Continue reading below…)

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After emigrating to Boston, Quill made his way up the American rugby ranks and in recent years was contracted to the Glendale Raptors and Rugby United New York in Major League Rugby. 

Quill told usarugby.com, “Every game has been a gift. I feel very lucky to have worn the jersey as many times as I have, the experiences and friendships I’ve gained along the way I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

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“This would have been in no way possible without the love and support of my wife, family and friends, who have been with me through every high and low on this journey and backing me every step of the way. Eagle #435 signing off.”

USA boss Gary Gold added: “We are incredibly grateful to John for his contributions to the team over the past several years. He has a tremendous work ethic, is a brilliant competitor and his toughness and physicality will be truly missed.

“While his time on the field may have come to an end, John has left an indelible mark on the rest of the squad through his continuous drive to push himself and help those around him become better on and off the field. We wish him nothing but the best and look forward to hearing him cheering for us from the stands.”

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Quill’s red card for his foul play on Farrell was followed nine days later by another head-hit shot on the England skipper. Tomas Lavanini, the Argentine, was also red-carded. 

WATCH: Why Rassie Erasmus was on the cusp of quitting as Springboks coach after a run of average results

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TI 4 hours ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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