World Cup over for banned Lima

Brian Lima’s record-breaking World Cup career is officially over.

The Samoa centre has failed to successfully appeal a three-week ban imposed for a dangerous tackle on England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson during last Saturday’s Pool A clash in Nantes.

Lima, the only player to feature in five World Cups, was cited by match commissioner Steven Hines.

World Cup judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar then imposed a suspension that sidelined the 35-year-old from Samoa’s final group game against the United States in Saint-Etienne tonight.

A three-man appeal committee, sitting in Paris, upheld Professor Crerar’s decision.

Lima had already decided to call time on his prolonged World Cup adventure, with Samoa heading home after the USA encounter.