RWC: Wallabies Without Star Flanker For Wales Game

Australia flanker Michael Hooper will miss the Wallabies’ World Cup Pool A decider against Wales on Saturday due to suspension.

Hooper was cited for an act of foul play — charging into a ruck or maul without the use of arms or grasping the player (England full-back Mike Brown) — during last weekend’s game at Twickenham.

World Rugby said in a statement that Hooper admitted the offence. He has been banned for one week.

In a statement, World Rugby said: “The hearing (on Tuesday) 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 tournament, 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 October 10. He is free to resume playing for Australia’s quarter-final.”