Leitch cops 3-match ban for red card offence

Japan captain and number 8, Michael Leitch has received a 3-match ban for his red card offence during the Japan and Samoa match last Saturday.

The independent Disciplinary Committee noted that the offence carries a mandatory mid-range sanction (six matches), and having considered the mitigating factors reduced the sanction by the maximum mitigation of 50 percent.

Leitch will not play this week against Tonga, he will also not play against Fiji next Saturday and their World Cup warm up match against Italy on the 26th of August.

The Disciplinary Committee says the player have accepted that foul play occurred and that the offending warranted a red card.

Leitch has the right of appeal within 48 hours of the issuing of the full written decision.