Centre George Moala will miss all but one of Tonga's Rugby World Cup pool games after he failed in an appeal to have a five-match ban over-turned, World Rugby announced on Thursday.

Former New Zealand midfielder Moala, 32, was suspended for a dangerous tackle in 10 August's win over Canada but then appealed the decision.

He missed a second game with Canada five days later and will also be banned for his French club Clermont's Top 14 game this weekend as well as Tonga's first three World Cup fixtures.

The Pacific Islanders open their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Pool B as well as playing Scotland, holders South Africa and Romania, who Moala will be able to feature against.