Wallabies fullback Israel Folau will face a disciplinary hearing and risks being suspended during the NSW Waratahs' run to the Super Rugby finals.
Wallabies fullback Israel Folau clashes with Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony Photo: Photosport
Folau was sin-binned in the 31st minute of the Wallabies' controversial 20-16 loss to Ireland in Saturday's third-test decider in Sydney.
The yellow card came for unnecessary contact on Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony, but on Sunday Folau received a warning over a second, earlier incident also involving an aerial contest with O'Mahony.
New Zealand citing commissioner Michael O'Leary deemed Folau also sent O'Mahony "toppling to the ground" in another mid-air challenge in the ninth minute at Allianz Stadium.
The citing commissioner picked up Folau for "placing his left hand on O'Mahony's chest" when contesting a high ball at a restart.
The flanker was being lifted by Irish teammate CJ Stander at the time, with O'Leary determining Folau's conduct was "strikingly similar" to the yellow-card offence later in the half.
Because the warning came after Folau was also sin-binned, a disciplinary hearing is required to consider his case under World Rugby regulations.
No date for the hearing has been set.
But SANZAR has revealed any potential ban for Folau would apply "across all forms of rugby", leaving him in danger of being suspended from the Waratahs' critical Super Rugby conference derby with the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.
The suspension could possibly be longer if Folau is found guilty at the hearing being convened by Singaporean judicial officer Shao Wang.
-AAP
