Israel Folau appeal turned down

Editor

Wallabies full-back Israel Folau has had his appeal against a one-week ban dismissed and will miss the Waratahs’ return to Super Rugby this weekend.

Folau was yellow-carded in the same match but was cited for a separate incident, also involving Peter O’Mahony in a challenge in the air.

The 29-year-old appealed the decision, but has had his appeal turned down and will miss the Waratahs’ crucial Super Rugby clash against the Rebels in Melbourne this weekend.

“Folau was issued with: (i) a yellow card; and (ii) a Citing Commissioner Warning for two separate incidents involving contact in the air in the match between Australia and Ireland in Sydney on 23 June,” read a statement from World Rugby.

“World Rugby’s disciplinary regulations stipulate that the accumulation of two such sanctions automatically triggers a disciplinary hearing.

“The case was heard by Shao Ing Wang (Chair, Singapore), Val Toma (former Romania referee) and Eroni Clarke (former New Zealand player) via teleconference on 27 June.

“Folau challenged the citing commissioner warning issued over his mid-air challenge with Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony, but having considered all the available evidence, the panel upheld the Citing Commissioner Warning.

“Folau immediately confirmed that he will appeal the decision of the Judicial Committee to uphold the Citing Commissioner Warning and the appeal will be heard on 28 June.”