Blues flanker Luke Braid has been suspended for three weeks for striking an opponent in the their Super 15 loss to the Stormers.

SANZAR said on Tuesday that Braid pleaded guilty to the charge. He will miss matches against the Hurricanes and Melbourne Rebels. Braid’s suspension also takes in a bye for the Blues.

A judicial officer said Braid struck the Stormers player twice on the back of the neck and head in the 62nd minute of Saturday’s 27-17 loss at Cape Town.

He will be available again for the Blues’ week-eight game at home to the Sharks on April 13.