Scotland flanker Martin Leslie was kicked out of the World Cup with a 12-week ban from competitive rugby on Wednesday after he was found guilty of kneeing an opponent in the head during Scotland’s 39-15 win over the United States on Monday.
The New Zealand-born son of former All Blacks skipper Andy Leslie appeared before a disciplinary panel in downtown Sydney accused of using his knee to hurt American centre Jason Keyter during the game at Brisbane. He had denied the allegation.
Leslie, who has played 37 times for Scotland including three visits to the World Cup, is the second player to be cited during the tournament. Fijian winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca received a two-game ban for punching French flanker Olivier Magne.
By coincidence, ”Caucau” will be back to face the Scots in Sydney on November 1 but Leslie’s World Cup is over.
The suspension means he will be unable to play for his club, Edinburgh, for two months when he returns home.
Two other players, England flanker Lawrence Dallaglio and Irish lock David O’Connell, have been cleared of alleged violence following reviews of match videos. — Sapa-AP