Estebanez’s three-week suspension for tip tackle

France centre Fabrice Estebanez looks set to miss the rest of the World Cup after being hit with a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle against Tonga on Saturday.

He received a yellow card for the tip tackle on substitute Joseph Tuineau in the second- half of Les Bleus’ 19-14 Pool A defeat in Wellington, Marc Lievremont’s side going on to clinch the losing bonus point needed to secure their quarter-final berth.

The 29-year-old has 48 hours in which to appeal the decision, but as things stand he will miss Saturday’s last-eight clash with England in Auckland. Estebanez was cited by independent commissioner Steve Hinds of New Zealand, and the case was heard in Auckland yesterday by the independent judicial officer Christopher Quinlan QC of England.

A statement from Rugby World Cup Limited read: “Fabrice Estebanez of France has been suspended for three weeks after admitting committing tackle contrary to law 10(4)(j).

“Following a review of broadcast footage, Estebanez was cited by independent citing commissioner Steve Hinds (New Zealand) under Law 10.4(j) for a ‘dangerous tip tackle’ in the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool A match against Tonga in Wellington on 1 October.

“Estebanez was suspended by independent judicial officer Christopher Quinlan QC (England) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2011 disciplinary process.”

Meanwhile, Georgia winger Lekso Gugava was suspended by Jean-Noel Couraud of France for five weeks for a tip tackle on Argentina centre Felipe Contepomi during the Pumas’ 25-7 win on Sunday. And Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu is due to face a misconduct hearing for criticising Welsh referee Nigel Owens’ performance.

Fuimaono-Sapolu described Owens’ refereeing as “absolutely horrendous” on Twitter after Samoa lost 13-5 to South Africa on Friday night, adding: “get s.a into next round. The plan was obvious. Can’t wait 2 meet irb members in public.”

The International Rugby Board issued a statement saying: “The charge follows a previous formal warning issued to the Samoa Rugby Union regarding social media conduct by the same player.”