(Reuters) - Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has lost his appeal against a one-match ban he had received for an aerial challenge during Australia's third test loss against Ireland last Saturday.
The ban rules Folau out of Friday's top-of-the table clash against Melbourne Rebels as the Waratahs push for the Super Rugby playoffs.
The 29-year-old was issued a warning by the citing commissioner Michael O’Leary for an aerial challenge similar to the one he made against Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony for which he received a yellow card.
The warning meant he had to face a hearing at which he was handed a one match ban.
Wallabies flanker Ned Hanigan on Thursday said the Folau appeal finding would set a precedent involving actions after contesting the ball.
"I think the issue with Israel (Folau) is people are seeing a bit differently just because it's that grey area," Hanigan told Rugby.com.au.
"I honestly reckon it'll be a bit of a milestone or precedent to what will come in the future, with these types of issues."
(Reporting By Arnab Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
