Warburton handed three-week ban

Wales captain Sam Warburton has been banned for three weeks after he was sent off in yesterday’s World Cup semi-final defeat against France.

Flanker Warburton admitted committing “a dangerous tip tackle” on France wing Vincent Clerc when he appeared at a World Cup disciplinary hearing today.

He can resume playing again on November 7 and will miss Wales’ appearance in the World Cup third place play-off game next Friday, although he has 48 hours in which to lodge any appeal.

Warburton said after the verdict: "Obviously I'm very disappointed but all my attention and focus now goes towards the players playing on Friday and supporting them the best I can."

He was accompanied at the hearing by Rhodri Lewis, the Welsh Rugby Union’s head of legal affairs, who added: “The WRU respects the process and will not be commenting on the detail of the hearing.

“We are obviously, naturally, disappointed for Sam that he will not be able to play on Friday. Our focus now moves towards Friday’s match. Sam has been an exemplary captain for Wales throughout the Rugby World Cup.”

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis said in a statement: “We are disappointed with the decision to suspend Wales captain Sam Warburton from the game for three weeks, following his red card dismissal in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.

“The WRU respects the process which has been followed and understands the disciplinary procedures in place.

“Our focus in now totally upon the forthcoming third place play-off international, which will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.

“The WRU further wishes to state its unequivocal support for Sam Warburton as a role model and exemplary captain who has led Wales to formidable success in the competition so far.”