Hurricanes openside flanker Ardie Savea has been suspended for four weeks after being cited for a dangerous tackle in last Saturday’s Super Rugby warm-up match against the Chiefs.
He will miss the Hurricanes’ early season matches against the Blues, Queensland Reds, Crusaders and Highlanders.
The 19-year-old Savea faced a hearing with judicial officer Nigel Hampton via video-conference on Tuesday over a lifting tackle on Chiefs replacement halfback Augustine Pulu.
Hampton said the tackle, in the 78th minute of the match won 25-21 by the Chiefs, was clumsy with elements of recklessness.
He said Savea’s poor technique contributed to the dangerous nature of the tackle as he lost control, posing potential risk of injury to Pulu’s neck or head.
Savea was a young player with a clean disciplinary record, Hampton said, and had acknowledged the tackle was poorly executed.
“I deem the tackle to be in the mid-range of seriousness. Taking into account all the mitigating factors, and this young man’s impressive character and conduct through this process, I have decided a sanction of no less than four weeks is appropriate.”
Savea will be eligible to play from March 17, although the Hurricanes have a bye on March 24. Their next game is against the Southern Kings in Wellington on March 30.