Thompson banned for World Cup opener against USA

Samoa lock Kane Thompson will miss his country's opening World Cup game after landing a two-match ban.

Thompson was sent off for striking Saia Fainga'a during last Saturday's encounter between Samoa and the Barbarians at the Olympic Stadium in London.

Thompson was suspended by independent judicial officer Simon Thomas following a hearing in London on Wednesday, World Rugby announced.

In the context of his playing schedule it means that Thompson will miss Samoa's final World Cup warm-up fixture against Wasps in Coventry this weekend, plus the pool game against the United States in Brighton on September 20.