Australia’s Michael Hooper has been suspended for one week and will miss their final Pool A match with Wales.

LONDON, Oct 6 – Michael Hooper (Australia) has been suspended for one week after admitting an act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(h) (dangerous charging) in the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 3 October.

Following a review of video footage, Hooper was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds (New Zealand) under Law 10.4(h) for charging into a ruck or maul without the use of arms or grasping the player Mike Brown during the 39th minute of the match.

The hearing 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 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 10 October. He is free to resume playing for Australia’s quarter-final.

The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from receipt of the written decision.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DECISION >>

RWCL