England will be without Sam Burgess for their World Cup match against Ireland after the South Sydney forward was given a one-match ban for a high tackle on Australia's Sam Thaiday in the tournament opener.
Burgess was put on report by Kiwi referee Henry Perenara for the 63rd minute swinging arm challenge that floored Thaiday and left the Brisbane second row concussed during Australia's 28-20 win at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
A specially-convened international match review panel decided Burgess had committed a grade A offence and handed down the one-match ban which rules him out of the match against Ireland in Huddersfield, northern England, next Saturday.
He has until 1100GMT Tuesday to either accept the ban or launch an appeal, which would be heard later that day.
Burgess was making his first England appearance for three years on Saturday.
And he created history as he lined up alongside twins Tom and George Burgess -- the first time three brothers had appeared in the same England side.
If Burgess is indeed ruled out of the Ireland match, England coach Steve McNamara could call up James Graham in his place after the Canterbury Bulldogs second row was left out of the side that played Australia, with a breach of team discipline believed to be the reason for his non-selection.
Meanwhile, Wakefield hooker Paul Aiton will miss Papua New Guinea's group B game against Samoa in Hull next Monday after also being given a one-match ban.
He too was found guilty of a grade A high tackle on full-back Morgan Escare in the 76th minute of the Kumuls' 9-8 defeat by France in Hull on Sunday.
In common with Burgess, he has until 1100GMT Tuesday to decide if he wishes to contest the ban.
Source: AFP
