Samoa and Newcastle wing Alesana Tuilagi is banned for five games

Alesana Tuilagi has been banned for five games

Newcastle will be without Alesana Tuilagi for the start of the Aviva Premiership season after the winger was hit with a five-week ban.

The Samoa international was cited for striking Japan's Harumichi Tatekawa with his knee in the second minute of last Saturday's World Cup Pool B game in Milton Keynes.

In a statement, World Rugby said: "Tuilagi denied the act of foul play.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles, medical evidence, evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representatives, the judicial officer Antony Davies upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed the act of foul play."

Tuilagi's suspension takes effect immediately, ruling him out of Samoa's final World Cup fixture against Scotland at Kingston Park on Saturday.

He will then miss Newcastle's Premiership fixtures against Gloucester, Northampton, Exeter and Worcester.

The 34-year-old will be available to return to action on November 10.