Rugby World Cup 2011: Lawes given two-match ban – Video

England lock Courtney Lawes has been handed a two-game ban for striking Argentina’s Mario Ledesma with his knee in England’s opening World Cup clash on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who pleaded not guilty, will miss England’s next two games in New Zealand – against Georgia on Sunday and Romania on 24 September – but will be available to face Scotland on 1 October.

A statement from Rugby World Cup Limited read: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the evidence available, including all broadcast angles and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his counsel, the judicial officer upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed an act of foul play.

“However, taking into account mitigating factors being his excellent disciplinary record and remorse and the absence of aggravating factors, the player was suspended for two weeks.”

England manager Martin Johnson said: “It is a fast-moving game and he dived to make what he thinks is a try-saving tackle. We thought any contact was incidental but they thought differently.”