Two-match ban for England's Lawes after knee strike

England lock Courtney Lawes has been handed a two-game ban after being found guilty of recklessly striking an opponent with his knee.

Lawes will miss the Pool B matches with Romania and Georgia, Rugby World Cup organisers have confirmed.

Lawes entered a not guilty plea when he appeared before a disciplinary hearing in Auckland today after being cited for hitting Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma with his knee during Saturday’s 13-9 win in Dunedin.

The offence carries a guideline suspension of between three and 12 weeks, or matches in the World Cup context, but Lawes’ offence was deemed ’low end’ and he will be free to play against Scotland in the final pool match in Auckland on October 1.