Farrell ruled out with calf injury

LONDON, England -- Andy Farrell has been ruled out of England's World Cup quarterfinal against Australia just 24 hours after being recalled to the starting line-up for the match in Marseille on Saturday.

The former Great Britain rugby league captain has a right calf injury and the decision was announced on Thursday after he underwent an MRI scan.

It is a bitter blow for Farrell who was dropped after the record 36-0 World Cup defeat by South Africa but found favor with England coach Brian Ashton with strong performances as a replacement against Samoa and Tonga.

Ashton, who will delay naming his side until Friday lunchtime, must now choose between Olly Barkley, who was dropped at inside center to accomodate Farrell, or 36-year-old Mike Catt.

Barkley had a poor game defensively against Tonga while Catt has not played since the loss to South Africa.

Ashton had picked Farrell for his "direct" approach, but the selection has been widely criticized in the media with pundits and former England international players weighing in.

There was no indication whether Saracens man Farrell would be fit for any later games, should England get past the formidable Wallabies whom they beat to win the World Cup in 2003. E-mail to a friend