FP – Governing body SANZAR have defended a three-week suspension to Chiefs winger Maritino Nemani even though he will not miss any Super Rugby matches.

The suspension for a dangerous tackle bans Nemani up to and including June 23, coinciding with the three-week Super Rugby recess introduced this year to accommodate Test matches during the season.

However, SANZAR’s judicial officer Mike Heron insisted the penalty was a “meaningful suspension”.

He said Nemani would not be available for New Zealand’s North-South match and would miss club rugby during that period.

Nemani pleaded guilty to a dangerous tackle on Blues winger Rene Ranger for which he was yellow-carded in their match won by the Chiefs 41-34 on Saturday.

The tackle might have seen Nemani suspended for six weeks, but Heron said this was reduced due to the early guilty plea, Nemani’s previous clean record and remorse.

Heron said he also took into account the fact Ranger was not injured and the effect Nemani’s yellow card had on the Chiefs, who conceded 10 points while he was off the field.