Former All Blacks centre to miss Tonga’s World Cup clash against Boks after ban appeal fails

Centre George Moala will miss all but one of Tonga's Rugby World Cup pool games after he failed in an appeal to have a five-match ban over-turned, World Rugby announced on Thursday.

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Former New Zealand midfielder Moala, 32, was suspended for a dangerous tackle in Tonga's win over Canada on 10 August but then appealed the decision.

He missed a second game with Canada five days later and will also be banned for his French club Clermont's Top 14 game this weekend as well as Tonga's first three World Cup fixtures.

Moala played four Tests for the All Blacks between 2015 and 2016.

The Pacific Islanders open their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Pool B as well as playing Scotland, holders South Africa and Romania, who Moala will be able to feature against.

RWC 2023 pools:

Pool A

France, New Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia

Pool B

South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania

Pool C

Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal

Pool D

England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile