Tevita Nabura has been suspended for six weeks after kicking Cameron Clark in the face during last weekend’s Super Rugby match in Sydney.
The Highlanders wing was red-carded in the 19th minute after he stuck out a boot after taking a high ball that connected with the face of the Waratahs wing.
The Tahs went on to win 41-12 and break Australia’s 40-match losing streak against New Zealand franchises.
The Sanzaar foul play committee accepted a guilty plea from Nabura for contravening Law 9.12: kicking, suspending him for six weeks, up to and including 6 July.
‘As it is required to do, the committee assessed that, given the comparative lack of force of the actual contact to the head and the lack of any injury to the other player, the entry point should remain at 12 weeks,’ said committee chairman Nigel Hampton.
‘However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s excellent record, his remorse, his inexperience and his guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the foul play review committee reduced the suspension by 50% to a sanction of six weeks.’