London - Samoa wing Alesana Tuilagi has appealed against his five-week ban for striking an opponent with his knee during a Rugby World Cup match against Japan.
Tuilagi was suspended earlier in the week for striking Japan flyhalf Harumichi Tatekawa in the second minute of the game in Milton Keynes. His appeal hearing will take place Friday in London.
Samoa is out of contention for the quarter-finals ahead of its Pool B closer against Scotland in Newcastle on Saturday.
Nick Blevins was cited Friday by independent Citing Commissioner Yves Thieffine of France for a dangerous tackle in a match against Romania on Wednesday. His hearing will be held in London.