England lock Courtney Lawes has been suspended for two World Cup matches after a disciplinary hearing found him guilty of recklessly striking an opponent with his knee.
Lawes had pleaded not guilty to striking Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma in their opening Pool B match in Dunedin on Saturday, won 13-9 by England.
He will miss England’s next two matches against Georgia and Romania, but will be available for the last game against Scotland.
Independent judicial officer Terry Willis of Australia ruled the offence was low-end, which has an entry point of three weeks.
Taking into account Lawes’ excellent disciplinary record and remorse, and the absence of aggravating factors, he was suspended for two games
