Fiji flank Dominiko Waqaniburotu lost his appeal against a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle Saturday.
As a result he will miss the rest of the World Cup pool phase and a possible quarterfinal.
An International Rugby Board panel in Auckland dismissed the appeal after backing the main conclusions of the original hearing, which found Waqaniburotu guilty of a tip-tackle during Fiji's 49-3 loss to South Africa.
"Therefore, the appeal was dismissed and the three-match suspension imposed on Waqaniburotu stands," a statement said.
Waqaniburotu will now miss Sunday's all-Pacific game against Samoa and Fiji's final group match with Wales on October 2, as well as any quarterfinal if they qualify from Pool D.
The 25-year-old will be available for selection again on October 10, the day after the quarter-finals are completed.
AFP
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