Samoa hooker Motu Matu'u will miss the final two Pool A matches at the Rugby World Cup, including their final pool stage game against Ireland after his three-match suspension for a dangerous high tackle was upheld.
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 quarter-finals 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 quarter-final should Samoa progress, or his next scheduled match with his club London Irish on Oct. 26," the committee said in a statement.
"The suspension will therefore end at midnight after the Rugby World Cup 2019 quarter-finals if Samoa qualify or at midnight on Oct. 26 if Samoa do not qualify for the quarter-finals, 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.
Follow Ireland v Russia on Thursday (kick-off 11.15am) via the live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the News Now App, watch live on RTÉ2 from 10.30am or listen to live match commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 from 11am.
