All-Black skipper Sam Cane will be forced to miss the first two games of his Japanese club, Suntory Sun Giants’ new season, after he was suspended by World Rugby for the tackle that saw him red-carded during the Rugby World Cup final.

Cane became the first player in history to be red-carded during the RWC final when he made direct contact with the head of Jessie Kriel in attempting a tackle.

A statement from World Rugby read: “The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but challenged the Foul Play Review Official’s decision that the act warranted a red card.

“Taking all considerations into account, including the player’s exemplary disciplinary record, his early acknowledgement of foul play and his clear remorse, the independent Committee determined mitigation of three matches was appropriate,” said World Rugby in explaining why they had not meted out the mandatory minimum penalty of six games for the given offence.

The sanction was reduced to just two matches subject to Cane’s completion of a coaching intervention programme.