Rugby Championship
Hooper free to play after appeal dismissed
ESPN Staff
August 2, 2015
Michael Hooper
Michael Hooper© (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Michael Hooper has been cleared to face New Zealand in this weekend's Rugby Championship decider, after both appeals against his ban for striking were dismissed.

The Wallabies flanker's involvement in the first Bledisloe Cup Test had been in doubt after both SANZAR and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) appealed his one-week suspension for striking Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez in Mendoza last week.

However, on Sunday a three-man SANZAR appeals committee upheld the original decision - reduced from two weeks due to his previously exemplary disciplinary record - finding that it was neither unduly lenient nor too severe.

As the original judicial officer felt that missing a game for his club side Manly was a sufficient penalty, it means Hooper is free to face the All Blacks on Saturday, with the Wallabies vice-captain keen to move on from the incident.

"Glad it's wrapped up and I can really look forward to this week and moving forward into the first Bledisloe," Hooper said.

"It's been a little bit tough but I have been preparing as if I've been right to play and I'll be trying to get into the team for this week."

© ESPN Staff

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