Ardie Savea handed one-game suspension

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea has been handed a one-game suspension following his yellow card incident in the recently concluded game against Melbourne Rebels.

Savea, who scored two tries in the game while guiding his side to a 39-33 win over Rebels was sin-binned in the 40th minute of the game for making a throat-slitting action.

Even though he apologised after the game, he was cited by the citing commissioner for breach of Law 9.27: A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Having appeared before a SANZAAR Judicial Committee comprising of Nigel Hampton KC (Chair), Mike Mika and David Croft, Savea was handed a one-week suspension as the panel deemed his action did not warranty a red card.

"The Foul Play Review Committee conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, and oral submissions from his legal representative, Mr Aaron Lloyd," said Nigel Hampton KC in a statement released.

With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee ruled, after considering a number of factors, including the guidance of World Rugby Regulation 17 Appendix 4, and due to the nature of the Player’s persistent offending, with both the Yellow Card and the Warning being issued for unsportsmanlike play, that an appropriate sanction for the Player would be a suspension of 1 week.”

"That was accepted by the player, and the player is therefore suspended for 1 week, up to and including Saturday 11 March 2023.”