Melbourne backrower Scott Higginbotham will miss the Rebels’ last Super Rugby game of the season against the Bulls after receiving a one week suspension from governing body SANZAR.

According to the SANZAR judicial rules, Higginbotham was required to face a hearing after being shown his third yellow card of the 2014 season.

Higginbotham received yellow cards in round nine (professional foul), 14 (a late charge of the kicker) and 18 (lifting tackle).

SANZAR duty judicial officer Nicholas Davidson QC ruled the following:

“The final incident was regarded as more serious and for that reason, and the fact that the player had been sitting on two yellow cards and knew a judicial process would follow, a one-week suspension was imposed.

“These incidents are an indication of persistent offending which after scrutiny warrant further sanction.”

With the Rebels out of finals contention, Higginbotham has played his last Super game for the club this season.