Romania captain Mihai Macovei was suspended for two weeks on Thursday for a dangerous tackle in the 17-15 win against Canada in the Rugby World Cup.
The ruling means Macovei will miss the Oaks' last Pool D match on Sunday against Italy in Exeter.
His absence is a blow to Romania, which has a chance to finish third in the pool and qualify directly for the 2019 World Cup, if it beats Italy.
Macovei's two tries and driving runs from the back of the scrum helped Romania overturn a 15-0 deficit against Canada on Tuesday.
But he was cited by independent citing commissioner Yves Thieffine of France for a dangerous tackle, grasping a player not in possession of the ball in the neck or head area.
Macovei denied an act of foul play at his hearing on Thursday, but judicial officer Simon Thomas of Wales upheld it.
The Italy match counts as one week of the suspension, and Macovei has to miss one game for his French club. He can play again from Oct. 19.
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