Sam Whitelock suspended for two weeks
Sam Whitelock was yellow-carded in the 71st minute of the game against Cheetahs
©PA
Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock has been handed a two-week ban following his yellow card incident during the recently concluded Super Rugby encounter against Cheetahs at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was sent-off in the 71st minute of the game after striking an opponent but despite the setback Crusaders went on to win the game by 21-48. The New Zealand international appeared before a three-man disciplinary panel via a video conference on 1st May.
The news was confirmed by a statement released by a SANZAAR Judicial Committee.
”Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the Player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(a) Striking another Player with the hand, arm or fist.
“With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of 4 weeks due to the World Rugby stipulation that a strike to the head shall result in at least a mid range entry point sanction. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the fact that the Player had an excellent disciplinary record including 110 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders and 84 test caps for the All Blacks, the Judicial Committee reduced the otherwise applicable sanction from 4 weeks to 2 weeks.
“The Player is therefore suspended for 2 weeks, up to and including 13 May 2017.”
As a result Whitelock will miss the upcoming clashes against Bulls and Hurricanes. With nine wins from as many games, Crusaders sit comfortable at the top of New Zealand Conference.
