Reece Hodge will miss Australia’s remaining three pool matches at the World Cup after he was suspended for a dangerous shoulder charge on Fiji flank Peceli Yato.
The controversial incident took place in the 26th minute of their Pool D match last Saturday, which the Wallabies won 39-21.
Breaking: Reece Hodge has been cited for this tackle on Peceli Yato #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/c9CYfluK0S
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 22, 2019
Hodge escaped sanctioned during the game, but having been cited for foul play, he fronted an independent World Rugby judicial committee in Tokyo on Wednesday in a hearing that lasted close to four hours.
It was deemed an entry-point offence which equates to a six-weeks ban, but Hodge’s suspension was reduced to three weeks due to mitigating factors including the player’s clean record and good character.
As it stands now, Hodge is set to miss the Wallabies’ crucial matches against Wales, Uruguay and Georgia. However, Australia have a 48-hour window to appeal the decision.
Photo: Getty Images
