Russian cited for 'head-butt'

Auckland - Russian hooker Valery Tsnobiladze is to face a disciplinary hearing over an alleged head-butt during the 62-12 defeat to Ireland, World Cup officials said on Monday.

Tsnobiladze was cited for allegedly "striking an opponent with the head" during Sunday's game and will go before an independent judicial officer in Auckland, a statement said. The hearing's time and date were not confirmed.

He is the fourth player to be cited after England's Courtney Lawes received a three-match ban for kneeing an opponent in the head and Fiji's Dominiko Waqaniburotu got three weeks for a dangerous tip tackle.

USA captain Todd Clover was found guilty of a dangerous tackle on a Russian player, but did not receive a suspension.