Australia
Michael Hooper suspension appealed by SANZAR
ESPN Staff
July 31, 2015
Michael Hooper of the Wallabies tackles Damian de Allende of the Springboks during The Rugby Championship match between the Wallabies and the Springboks
Michael Hooper of the Wallabies tackles Damian de Allende of the Springboks during The Rugby Championship match between the Wallabies and the Springboks© Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Michael Hooper may yet miss the first Bledisloe Cup Test between Australia and New Zealand after it was announced an appeal had been lodged against his one-week suspension.

All formal SANZAR judicial hearings are reviewed by an independent Appeals Review Officer, with Graeme Mew deciding that the sanction handed down to Hooper by Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC should be referred to the appeals committee.

The Wallabies flanker was originally banned for one week having been found guilty of punching or striking an opponent in Australia's win over Argentina in Mendoza.

The ARU released a statement on Friday stating they would 'vigourously defend' Hooper and were very disappointed to receive the appeal notice from SANZAR.

"The ARU will vigorously defend the SANZAR appeal on the severity of the sanction handed to the player," the statement said. "Furthermore, the ARU intends to cross-appeal the Judicial Officer's original finding that the player was guilty of committing an act of foul play."

The appeal will be heard on Sunday at 5pm by a committee chaired by Jannie Lubbe SC.

© ESPN Staff

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