Lukhan Tui suspended for three weeks

Reds lock Lukhan Tui has been suspended for three weeks for his tip tackle on Will Genia in the Rebels-Reds Super Rugby clash last weekend.

Tui only received a yellow card at the time, but the offence has now been judged at red card level after a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing.

"The hearing found Tui guilty of contravening Law 9.18 – A player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or drive that player so that their head and / or upper body make contact with the ground, after he was cited during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

"Tui has been suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 17 March 2018.

"The incident occurred during the match between the Rebels and Reds at AAMI Park, Melbourne on 23 February 2018.

"The SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing held via video conference on Tuesday 27 February 2018 was heard by Michael Heron QC, De Wet Barry and Eroni Clarke."

In his finding, the Judicial Committee Chairman Michael Heron QC ruled the following:

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13.
 
"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a low end entry point of 6 weeks due to an absence of intention and other contributing factors. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's excellent disciplinary record and his guilty plea at the earliest possible opportunity, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the Saturday 17 March 2018.”