Leslie banned for knee attack

Scotland flanker Martin Leslie has been banned for the remainder of the World Cup after being found guilty of kneeing Jason Keyter in the head during Monday’s 39-15 win over the United States in Brisbane.

The Edinburgh back-row pleaded not guilty to the charge at a three-hour hearing in Sydney today but judicial officer Terry Willis decided the New Zealand-born player had committed the offence.

At 32, the 12-week ban places a huge question mark over Leslie’s 37-cap international career although Scotland, who said they will make a formal statement once they had considered the verdict, have not decided whether they are to appeal.