Reece Hodge banned for three matches
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Australia winger Reece Hodge has been banned for three games following his dangerous tackle on Peceli Yato in the World Cup Pool D victory over Fiji.
Breaking: Reece Hodge has been cited for this tackle on Peceli Yato 🤕 #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/c9CYfluK0S
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 22, 2019
An independent disciplinary committee in Tokyo adjudged Hodge's no-arms challenge on the Fijian flanker to warrant a red card.
In a statement, World Rugby wrote: "in considering all the available evidence, including multiple broadcast angles and submissions from Hodge and his legal representative, the committee deemed that the incident was an act of foul play and warranted a red card in line with the high tackle sanction framework...
"The committee applied World Rugby’s mandatory mid-range entry point ..., which according to World Rugby’s sanctions table, carries a minimum six-match suspension.
"Having acknowledged Hodge’s exemplary disciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing, the committee reduced the six-match entry point by three matches, resulting in a sanction of three matches."
Hodge will now miss the remaining pool matches against Wales, Uruguay and Georgia.
He has the right to appeal the decision within 48 hours of receiving the written decision.
