Rugby World Cup
Australia's Michael Hooper cited for alleged act of foul play during England win
PA Sport
October 5, 2015
England 13-33 Australia (Australia only)
Australia flanker Michael Hooper has been cited for an alleged act of foul play during the Wallabies' 33-13 World Cup victory over England on Saturday, World Rugby has announced. World Rugby announced that Hooper has been reported by independent citing commissioner Steve Hinds for allegedly "charging into a ruck or maul without use of the arms or grasping the player". Hooper will now face a disciplinary hearing in London on Tuesday. The incident happened just before half-time when Hooper challenged England full-back Mike Brown. Australia's win dumped England out of the World Cup, and Hooper played a pivotal role in setting up a Pool A decider against Wales at Twickenham next Saturday. Alongside David Pocock and Scott Fardy, Hooper is part of arguably the tournament's most effective back-row, but his participation against Wales - and possibly beyond that - could now be in doubt. Sanctions for charging range from a two-week ban at the lower end of the scale, through to five weeks if it is classed as mid-range, or 10 weeks and above if viewed as a top-end offence. In a statement, World Rugby said: "Michael Hooper has been cited by independent citing commissioner Steve Hinds [New Zealand] for an alleged act of foul play contrary to law 10.4 [h] [charging into a ruck or maul without use of the arms or grasping the player] during the 39th minute of the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A match between England and Australia on Saturday, October 3. "The hearing will take place at 1000 on Tuesday, October 6 at the offices of RWC official law firm Clifford Chance in London. The case will be heard by independent judicial officer Alan Hudson [Canada]." © PA Sport
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