Tuesday 1 October 2019 17:42, UK
Samoa hooker Motu Matu'u will miss the final two Pool A matches and a potential quarter-final at the Rugby World Cup after his three-match suspension for a dangerous high tackle was upheld, a judicial committee said on Tuesday.
Samoa centre Rey Lee-lo and Matu'u were both suspended for three games for high tackles on Russia captain Vasily Artemyev during their opening Pool A match last week.
Matu'u was initially eligible to play in the quarter-finals if Samoa qualified, but since he was ruled out injured for their 34-0 loss to Scotland, the three-match ban has now been carried forward.
"Matu'u will miss Samoa's final two pool matches and the quarter-final should Samoa progress, or his next scheduled match with his club London Irish on October 26," the committee said in a statement.
"The suspension will therefore end at midnight after the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-finals if Samoa qualify or at midnight on October 26 if Samoa do not qualify for the quarter-finals, after which he is free to resume playing."
Samoa are currently fourth in Pool A with five points, behind leaders Japan (nine points), Ireland (six points) and Scotland (five points).
They play hosts Japan on Saturday and Ireland a week later.
