Lima`s career cut short

Brian Lima's record-breaking World Cup career is officially over. In fact he's has already played his last international match.

The Samoa centre has failed to successfully appeal a three-week ban imposed for a dangerous tackle on England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson during last Saturday's Pool A clash in Nantes.

Lima, the only player to feature in five World Cups, was cited by match commissioner Steven Hines.

World Cup judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar then imposed a suspension that sidelined the 35-year-old from Samoa's final group game, against the United States in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

A three-man appeal committee, sitting in Paris on Wednesday, upheld Professor Crerar's decision.

Lima had already decided to call time on his prolonged career after the World Cup, with Samoa heading home after the encounter with the US Eagles.

That means his game in Nantes was his last appearance on the rugby field.

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