Former New Zealand centre George Moala will miss all but one of Tonga’s Rugby World Cup pool games after he failed in an appeal to have a ban for a dangerous tackle over-turned.
Former All Blacks midfielder Moala, 32, was suspended for five weeks – reduced from 10 – for a dangerous tackle in August 10’s win over Canada but then appealed the decision.
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Update: George Moala’s appeal against his 5-game ban has been dismissed.
The Committee found that the tackle warranted a mid-range entry point & upheld the decision.
His ban includes:
🇹🇴v 🇨🇦
Clermont v Perpignan
☘️v🇹🇴
🏴v 🇹🇴
🇿🇦v🇹🇴 pic.twitter.com/M3Y950l9pp— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 24, 2023
He missed a second game with Canada five days later and will also be banned for his French club Clermont’s Top 14 game this weekend as well as Tonga’s first three World Cup fixtures.
The Pacific Islanders open their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Pool B as well as playing Scotland, holders South Africa and Romania, who Moala will be able to feature against.
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Photo: Geoff Caddick / AFP