World Cup organisers ordered Ireland star Sean O’Brien to appear before a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday to explain his alleged punch against French lock Pascal Pape.
The incident just 23 seconds into Ireland’s 24-9 Pool D win over France in Cardiff on Sunday. Pape needed treatment and furious French coach Philippe Saint-Andre labelled it on Monday as an “assault”.
O’Brien, who was named man of the match, was cited by independent Citing Commissioner Dougie Hunter for a law that “deals with striking,” said an official statement.