World Cup chiefs have slashed Samoa wing Alesana Tuilagi’s five-week ban after an appeal was upheld – but he will still miss today’s critical World Cup clash with Scotland.
His original ban imposed by the tournaments governing body; that was due to stretch to November 10, has now been trimmed back to just two weeks. An appeal committee met in London to decide Tuilagi’s fate and partially upheld his challenge.
In a statement, the Appeal Committee said: “The finding that the player had committed an act of foul play was upheld. The Appeal Committee determined that the offence was low-end, which has an entry point of three weeks.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors, including his impeccable conduct during the hearing, good character and record over a long career plus the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, the players suspension period is now only two weeks.
“The player’s suspension will now continue up to, and including 16 October 2015 on which date he is free to return to play.”
While this appeases both the Samoa teams objection to the ruling, as much as public opinion this means Tuilagi will still sit out his side’s final tournament clash with the Scots at St James’ Park.
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