Australia flanker Michael Hooper banned for Wales game
Tuesday 6 October 2015 16:35, UK
Australia flanker Michael Hooper will miss Saturday’s crunch Rugby World Cup game with Wales after he was handed a one-week ban after admitting an act of foul play.
Hooper was cited for "charging into a ruck or maul without use of the arms or grasping the player" when he challenged England full-back Mike Brown in the Wallabies' 33-13 victory over England last weekend.
A hearing, chaired by Independent Judicial Officer Alan Hudson, was held on Tuesday and as a result, Hooper will sit out the match at Twickenham that will determine who finishes top of Pool A.
Hooper will be available for next week's quarter-final, though, when Australia are in line to face Scotland or Japan if they win the group.
In a statement, World Rugby said: "The hearing (on Tuesday) related to a consideration of sanction only, given the admission of the act of foul play by the player.
"Hooper was suspended by independent judicial officer Alan Hudson (Canada) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2015 disciplinary process.
"With respect to the sanction, the judicial officer determined that the offence was low-end, which has an entry point of two weeks.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including his early admission, good conduct during the hearing and good character and the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, the player was suspended for a period of one week.
"In the context of the Rugby World Cup tournament, a week equates to one match.
"The suspension takes effect immediately, therefore Hooper is suspended for Australia's final Pool A match against Wales on October 10. He is free to resume playing for Australia's quarter-final."
Hooper admitted: "Definitely disappointed and shocked to hear I was being cited. But I feel I had a fair trial.
"I can move on and help the team that runs out against Wales at Twickenham which is a big match."
Australia have a wealth of options in the back-row and openside Sean McMahon and the versatile Ben McCalman both scored two tries and were the best players on the pitch when the Wallabies fielded a second-string side against Uruguay.
"We have got a squad of 31 and that's the reason you have a squad of 31," said attack coach Stephen Larkham.
"We have a couple of excellent players waiting for their chance - Ben McCalman and Sean McMahon have both played really well in the tournament.
"McMahon, McCalman have put their hands up in this tournament. We may have to chop and change. Sean could slot in at seven, or Ben can go to eight and [David] Pocock at seven."
Larkham also revealed winger Rob Horne will almost certainly miss the match against Wales with a shoulder problem, while full-back Israel Folau is a doubt with an ankle injury.
