All Black Hoskins Sotutu handed three-week ban

Blues and All Black loose forward Hoskins Sotutu has been handed a three-match suspension following his red card for a dangerous tackle in the Blues' 33-29 victory over the Hurricanes last weekend.

His absence will be a major blow for the Auckland-based side as they prepare for crucial Super Rugby Pacific fixtures in the coming weeks.

The incident occurred in the 75th minute of the tightly contested match at Wellington Regional Stadium, where Sotutu’s tackle was deemed dangerous enough to warrant a red card.

The Super Rugby Pacific Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) confirmed the suspension, stating that Sotutu was found guilty of violating Law 9.13, which covers dangerous tackling.

"The FPRC determined the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches.

"In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play, as well as mitigating factors such as the player’s disciplinary record, the FPRC applied the full 50 percent reduction in sanction."

With the three-week suspension, Sotutu will miss the Blues' upcoming matches against:

• Brumbies – March 7
• Chiefs – March 15
• Crusaders – March 22 (unless he completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme)

Sotutu has been given the option to complete World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme, which could allow him to reduce his suspension by one match. If he successfully completes the programme, he could be eligible to return for the highly anticipated clash against the Crusaders.