Highlanders flanker James Haskell has had his three-week ban for punching Cheetahs player Justin Downey extended to four weeks because of a previous ban in England six years ago.
The England international was found guilty of striking Downey during the Highlanders’ 36-33 Super Rugby victory in Bloemfontein on April 28.
In his original ruling, SANZAR judicial officer Mike Heron reduced the penalty to three weeks from a starting point of six weeks.
He said he had taken into account Haskell’s guilty plea, remorse, and “his impressive record” of no previous citings in over 10 years of professional rugby.
However, it has since been revealed Haskell received a one-week suspension in 2008 for his involvement in a head-butt incident in England when playing for Wasps against Worcester.
“Because Haskell had a previous disciplinary matter, I find I am not able to give him the maximum discount as previously allowed,” Heron said in issuing his revised ruling on Friday.
Haskell was due to return to the Highlanders for their match against the Blues on May 26 but will not now be available until they play the Crusaders on June 1.