World Cup chiefs on Sunday banned Fiji prop Manasa Saulo for 10 weeks for stamping on the head of Wales' Luke Charteris.

The ban is the toughest handed out yet for an offence at the World Cup. Saulo jumped on Wales replacement Charteris during Fiji's 23-13 defeat in Cardiff on Thursday.

Rugby World Cup said the offence was considered at the "top end" of the danger scale and that judicial officer Adam Casselden of Australia had considered a four month ban.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including his early admission, disciplinary record, good character and remorse and the absence of any off-field aggravating factors, the player was suspended for a period of 10 weeks," said a statement.

Saula will miss only one World Cup match as they have only one Pool A game left against Uruguay on Tuesday. But he will only be allowed to start playing again on January 17.

Source: AFP