An Italy rugby international has been for three months for biting in a World Cup match.
Sara Tounesi was representing her country in a 21-8 victory over Japan and was later cited for an incident which occurred in the 67th minute of the match.
Shortly afterwards, Japan flanker Iroha Nagata attempted to tell the referee about what she believed had transpired but was waved away as Italy were preparing a penalty kick. At the next stoppage, she showed the referee her hand, who recounts that there were no teeth marks "however there was a red inflamed area on the lower part of the hand (palm)".
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The incident occurred with Italy attacking near the Japan line, with Nagata going in to attempt a jackal after Tounesi had been tackled.
In written evidence, Nagata said she was bitten twice, refuted that it could have been accidental and that it got “harder over a five-second period”.
Denying the claim, Tounesi insisted she was shouting "la balla" to signify that the ball was available to her team-mates. She also pointed out that Nagata was "pulling her up and off the ground by her lower face and neck".
The Italian was adamant she was calling out to team-mates, despite the panel saying that her mouth was not "moving in a way consistent with her speaking". The 25-cap lock also insisted she was not a dirty player, was proud to represent her country and felt shame at the allegations.
But Tounesi, who has recently signed for Sale Sharks, was found guilty by the disciplinary panel. She received a six-week reduction from an initial 18-week sanction due to her "exemplary" previous disciplinary record. Tounesi has 48 hours to appeal the decision.
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