Rugby-Samoa hooker Matu'u's three-match suspension for high tackle upheld

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 center 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 second game against 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 Oct. 26," the committee said in a statement.

"The suspension will, therefore, end at midnight after the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-finals if Samoa qualifies or at midnight on Oct. 26 if Samoa do not qualify for the quarter-finals, after which he is free to resume playing." Samoa is currently fourth in Pool A with five points, behind leaders Japan (nine points), Ireland and Scotland (both six points). They play host Japan on Saturday and Ireland a week later.

Also Read: PREVIEW-Rugby-Samoa test a chance for Scotland to lift the gloom