Courtney Lawes was cited by Murray Whyte of Ireland under Law 10.4(a), striking an opponent with the knee, following the match on September 10 against Argentina in Dunedin.
The hearing was conducted by an independent Judicial Officer, Terry Willis (Australia) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2011 Disciplinary Process.
The Judicial Officer upheld the Citing and deemed it to be Low-End. Taking into account mitigating factors being his excellent disciplinary record and remorse and the absence of aggravating factors, the Player was suspended for two weeks, which equates to two Rugby World Cup 2011 matches.
Lawes is free to resume playing for England’s Pool B match against Scotland in Auckland on October 1. The player has the right to lodge an appeal by 1700 on September 15.
Lawes has 48 hours from the time of the oral submission to appeal the decision.