Scott Barrett handed four-week ban

Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett has been handed a four-week suspension following his red-card incident in the recently Super Rugby Pacific game against Blues.

The All Blacks lock was sent-off at the start of the second half following his high tackle on Alex Hodgman in the game Crusaders went on to lose 23-27.

Having faced a SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee, the 28-year-old was handed a six-week ban that was reduced by just two games as Barrett was involved in a similar tackle against Australia's Michael Hooper during the Bledisloe Cup Test in 2019.

"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 Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13," a SANZAAR judicial statement read.

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.

"Taking into account mitigating factors including the player's acceptance of foul play, his expressed remorse and pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks. The player was not entitled to the full 50% reduction due to a prior similar offence."

Barrett will miss the Crusaders' games against the Rebels, Waratahs and Force while his involvement in the match against Brumbies will be determined by the completion of World Rugby's Intervention program.