Italy lock Tounesi banned for 12 matches for biting at women's World Cup

Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's Rugby World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarterfinal against France.

Tounesi was cited for biting an unnamed opponent during Italy's 21-8 win on Sunday.

The tournament's judicial committee upheld the citing complaint, World Rugby said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The committee concluded that the player bit a Japanese player which ... merited a red card," said the statement.

Tounesi has two days to appeal the decision.

Italy face France at Whangarei on Saturday.