Crusaders hooker Ben Funnell has received a one-week suspension after being cited for an alleged dangerous tackle in his side’s 41-19 Super Rugby win over the Bulls in Christchurch.
SANZAR duty judicial officer Nicholas Davidson accepted a guilty plea from Funnell on Sunday, and suspended him until March 23.
The decision relates to the contact Funnell made with Bulls forward Grant Hattingh at a breakdown in the 60th minute on Saturday night.
Funnell had come off the bench 10 minutes earlier to replace starting hooker Corey Flynn.
Hattingh suffered concussion and whiplash in the tackle, but should be ready to play next week, subject to further assessment.
Nicholson said he took into account Funnell’s prompt admission of the breach and the young player’s previous good record.