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 quarterfinal 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 quarterfinals 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 quarterfinal 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 quarterfinals if Samoa qualify or at midnight on October 26 if Samoa do not qualify for the quarterfinals, after which he is free to resume playing."

Samoa are currently fourth in Pool A with five points, behind leaders Japan (nine points), Ireland and Scotland (both six points). They play hosts Japan on Saturday and Ireland a week later.