England Under-20 flanker Seb Kelly was sent off for a headbutt as his team's hopes of regaining the age-grade world title ended in semi-final defeat in Tbilisi, Georgia. England had made a strong start against defending champions South Africa, with prop Ollie Streeter and fly-half Hugh Shields' tries contributing to a 17-7 lead, when Kelly lunged at Luan Giliomee on the floor after the whistle, butting the 'Baby Boks' full-back in the face. Referee Kevin Bralley reviewed the incident on the advice of his television match official and issued a straight red card.

"That is inexcusable from Seb Kelly, you can't do that," said former England player Tom May, commentating for Premier Sports. England reached half-time with a 20-12 lead but were overwhelmed in the second half, with South Africa scoring five tries in 20 minutes to run out 53-37 victors.

Kelly's headbutt will be assessed by a foul play review committee on Tuesday. Italy's Niccolo Cannone received a four-match ban for similar head-to-head contact, while Bakkies Botha was banned for nine weeks in 2010. England will face New Zealand in Saturday's third-place play-off.