Western Force wing Toni Pulu handed three-week ban

Western Force wing Toni Pulu has been handed a three-week suspension following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Super Rugby AU semi-final against Brumbies.

The 31-year-old was sent-off at the end of the opening half for a high tackle on Brumbies centre Irae Simone and his absence proved decisive as Force were knocked out of the competition with a 9-21 defeat at GIO Stadium.

Pulu faced a disciplinary hearing from a SANZAAR's Foul Play Committee and accepted guilty to the charges. He was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by half taking into account his conduct during hearing, guilty plea and other disciplinary charges.

"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, Michael Tudori, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13," Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC said in a statement.

"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.

"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's good judicial record and pleading guilty at his first available opportunity the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."