Tomas Lavanini has been handed a four-match suspension following his head-high shoulder tackle on Owen Farrell during Saturday’s 39-10 defeat by England.
The big lock received a red card after 18 minutes from referee Nigel Owens for the reckless tackle on England’s captain, with the game still very much in the balance.
Following his disciplinary hearing, Lavanini – who has a reputation for ill-discipline – will miss Argentina’s final Pool C game against the USA as well as three games for his new club Leicester Tigers, after previously featuring for the Jaguares in Super Rugby.
The 26-year-old admitted the act of foul play and accepted that it deserved a red card. Due to his disciplinary record he was not eligible for the full 50% concession from the six-game entry point.
Lavanini’s early admission, the remorse he showed to Farrell post-game and his good character during the hearing contributed to the ban being reduced by two weeks.
Taking into account all the evidence and after hearing from both Lavanini and his legal representative, the independent judicial panel imposed a four-match sanction on the player.
Lavanini will be free to play from 1 November.
Picture: EPA/Kimimasa Mayama