Hurricanes openside flanker Ardie Savea has been suspended for four weeks following a judicial hearing but he will be out of Super Rugby until the end of March.
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Savea was cited under law 10.4 (j) for a lifting tackle on Chiefs halfback Augustine Pulu in the 78th minute of the Hurricanes v Chiefs pre-season match at Mangatainoka on Saturday. The Chiefs won 25 – 21.
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 and the Hurricanes have a bye on the 24th of March so Savea can only return to Super Rugby on the 30th of March when they play the Southern Kings.