RWC over for Russian hooker

Auckland - Russia hooker Valery Tsnobiladze has been suspended for three weeks for a headbutt in their Rugby World Cup loss to Ireland last Sunday.

Tsnobiladze denied the charge at a hearing on Wednesday, but World Cup judicial officer Jeff Blackett of England watched TV footage, and reviewed evidence from Tsnobiladze and Ireland flank Sean O'Brien, before ruling that the Russian was not free to play until October 17.

Blackett noted the incident was reckless and not deliberate and the victim wasn't injured, and reduced Tsnobiladze's potential sanction by a week because of his previously good disciplinary record.

Winless Russia plays their final match at their first World Cup against two-time champions Australia on Saturday in Nelson.