Rugby World Cup 2019: Hodge not appealing ban but protests 'obvious accident'

Reece Hodge and Australia have accepted the wing's three-match ban but insisted his dangerous tackle on Peceli Yato was "an obvious accident".

Hodge was cited for his hit on Fiji's Yato in Australia's opening Rugby World Cup win and then handed a three-week ban that will keep him out of the Wallabies' remaining pool fixtures.

Australia opted not to appeal the decision but Hodge posted on Instagram: "There was never any malice in the contact and any suggestions to that effect are simply false."

He was also irked by criticism of himself, coaches and Rugby Australia in relation to the "high tackle decision making framework".

"From my point of view, the high tackle decision-making framework was designed for administrators, and actually has little to no bearing on my decision-making on the field when approaching contact," Hodge said in a statement.

"We do lots of 'homework' as rugby players and are constantly adapting to changes in the game.

"Those that have played rugby would know that we don't think about the numbered elements of a decision-making tree for referees and TMOs in the split second before a tackle.

"The way I read it, it's a tool used to determine the appropriate sanctions after the contact has occurred."

View this post on Instagram

Just want to thank everyone for the messages of support over the past few days. I’m extremely disappointed by the decision and gutted I won’t be able to don the gold jersey and represent Australia with the boys on Sunday. Now that the decision has been made, I’ll be doing everything I can to help prepare the boys for the next 3 games. It’s a privilege to be here in Japan and to experience the World Cup buzz with such wonderful hospitality from the Japanese people. Peceli, I hope you’re recovering well from the incident and wish you all the best for the rest of the tournament. There was never any malice in the contact and any suggestions to that effect are simply false. Anyone who knows me will attest to that. Lastly, to the media and fans, please start focusing on all the positive stories at this RWC. The players are giving their all for their country, the fans are packing out the stadiums and the officials are making it all possible.
A post shared by Reece Hodge (@reecehodge) on Sep 27, 2019 at 11:02pm PDT

He added: "Numerous articles suggesting I admitted to not knowing the 'new tackle techniques' are an utter fabrication.

"During the judiciary hearing, I was asked of my knowledge of the framework specifically, not of any 'new tackling techniques' or whether I knew tackling high was going to be penalised.

"With that said, it was an obvious accident and I will pay a heavy price.

"The only sort of disciplinary action I've ever had was a yellow card for a 'deliberate knockdown' so it feels really weird to be on the sidelines, but I will be doing all I can to help the team prepare for Wales and for the rest of the pool stage."