Fiji flanker loses ban appeal

Auckland - Fiji flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu lost his appeal against a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Saturday, meaning he will miss the rest of the World Cup pool phase and a possible quarter-final.

An International Rugby Board (IRB) 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 quarter-final 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.