Jonathan Faauli handed six-week suspension

Chiefs centre Jonathan Faauli was handed a six-week suspension following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Super Rugby encounter against Hurricanes at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The 22-year-old was sent-off in the 63rd minute for a dangerous tackle on an opponent that led to the breach of law 9.13 that deals with "A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously".

He pleaded guilty to the charges during his hearing in front of SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee headed by Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford and was initially handed eight week ban that was reduced by two weeks considering the mitigating factors.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles, additional evidence, a statement from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13," said Committee 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 6 weeks. The Foul Play Review Committee added 2 weeks to the entry point as aggravation for the fact the Player has two previous offences of a similar nature on his Judicial record and as a personal deterrent to combat a pattern of such offending by the Player. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's expressed remorse and his plea of guilty at the earliest possible opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 6 weeks."

Faauli's ban will be applicable until 31st August which effectively ends his ongoing season for Chiefs.