Owen Franks handed two-week ban

Crusaders prop Owen Franks has been handed a two-week suspension following the recently concluded Super Rugby encounter against Blues at Eden Park.

The incident occurred in the 36th minute of the game when he was found striking Blues hooker James Parsons with the arm. Though he escaped onfield sanctions from referee Glen Jackson, the 30-year-old was cited for a breach of Law 9.12.

Franks appeared before a SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee that consisted of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford and pleaded guilty to the charges.

“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles, and a statement from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.12," said Chairman Nigel Hampton QC.

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of four weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the players good record over an extensive playing history which includes only one previous judicial sanction, his expressed remorse and apology to the other player, and the Player’s guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to two weeks.

“The player is therefore suspended for two weeks, up to and including Saturday 2 June 2018.”