Mark Cueto during an England training session

Delon Armitage of England has been suspended for one match after acknowledging that he had been guilty of an act of foul play contrary to Law 10(4)(e), and is likely to be replaced for the World Cup quarter-finals against France by Mark Cueto (above).

Following a review of broadcast footage, Armitage was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner Scott Nowland (AUS) under Law 10.4(e) for a dangerous tackle in the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool B match against Scotland in Auckland on 1 October.

Armitage was suspended by Independent Judicial Officer Bruce Squire QC (NZL) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2011 Disciplinary process.

Having conducted a detailed review of all the evidence available, including all broadcast angles and additional evidence from the Player and submissions from his legal representative, the Judicial Officer deemed the offence to be lower end offending which has an entry point of two weeks. However, taking into account particular aspects of the offending which the Judicial Officer found justified a reduction from the proscribed entry point when taken into consideration with mitigating factors and the absence of aggravating factors, the Player was suspended for a period of one match.

The suspension takes effect immediately will run up to and include 8 October. He is free to resume playing on 9 October.

The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from the time he was informed of the decision.

England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: “It’s a shame to lose Delon as he has played well but these things happen and we have some quality wings in Mark Cueto and Matt Banahan to chose from.”

Regarding Jonny Wilkinson and Mike Tindall who are suffering from an elbow injury and a deadleg respectively, Johnson added: “We didn’t train today but both are responding to treatment so we will just have to see where they are up to when we get back into weights and light training tomorrow.”