Hurricanes openside flanker Ardie Savea has been suspended for four weeks following a judicial hearing which took place on Tuesday.
Savea was cited under law 10.4 (j) for a lifting tackle on Chiefs half-back Augustine Pulu in the 78th minute of the Hurricanes v Chiefs pre-season match at Mangatainoka on Saturday.
Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC said the tackle was clumsy with elements of recklessness. Savea's poor technique contributed to the dangerous nature of the tackle as he lost control, posing potential risk of injury to Pulu's neck or head.
Mr Hampton said Savea was a young player with a clean disciplinary record.
"The player has acknowledged the tackle was poorly executed and I have considered his early admission of fault as being in his favour," Mr Hampton said.
"I deem the tackle to be in the mid-range of seriousness. Taking into account all the mitigating factors, and this young man's impressive character and conduct through this process, I have decided a sanction of no less than four weeks is appropriate," he said.
Savea is suspended from all forms of rugby up to and including Saturday 16 March 2013. He is unavailable for the Hurricanes' matches against the Blues in Wellington this Saturday, the Reds in Brisbane on 1 March, the Crusaders in Wellington on 8 March, and the Highlanders in Dunedin on 15 March.
Savea will be eligible to play from Sunday 17 March.
Comments
hellovanite says...
Fantastic player all the same, one to watch for sure
Posted 23:17 19th February 2013
passtheball says...
The guys an idiot - I had in my super team and now he's out for 4 weeks! Very inconsiderate.
Posted 10:51 19th February 2013
jmanngod says...
this is a bit sad... Savea is going to be the next world beating No 7 from NZ... and unbroken line that stretches back to the 1960s
Posted 08:56 19th February 2013