Wallabies lock Darcy Swain has been suspended for two weeks and will miss the final two matches of the England Test series after his red card for foul play was upheld by a Rugby World judicial committee.
The Australians were forced to play a man down for more than half of last Saturday's first Test against England at Perth Optus Stadium after Swain was sent off in the 34th minute for headbutting opposite Jonny Hill in retaliation. Australia scored three second-half tries to lead 30-14 and won the match 30-28.
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Swain conceded he had committed an act of foul play, however, went to the Judiciary to argue it did not warrant a red-card.
"The committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of six weeks given the provocation before the incident, low degree of force exerted by the player and that no injury was caused to the victim. This resulted in a starting point of a six-week suspension," World Rugby said in a statement.
"Having acknowledged mitigating factors, including the player’s acknowledgement of foul play, clean disciplinary record, conduct at the hearing and expression of remorse, the committee granted the player full mitigation of 50 per cent of three weeks.
"The committee further determined that given the above off-field mitigating factors and that a three-week sanction would be wholly disproportionate given the level and nature of the offence, the sanction was further reduced by an extra week, resulting in a sanction to weeks.
"The player will therefore miss Australia’s next two matches against England on 9 and 16 July."
Swain has the right to appeal, however, the Wallabies seemed to indicate via social media they will accept the ban.
The final two matches in the series are this Saturday in Brisbane and on July 16 in Sydney.
He will join Quade Cooper on the sidelines, who will reportedly miss the next fortnight after suffering a calf strain during the warm-up of the first Test.
