Chiefs centre Jonathan Faauli has pleaded guilty to committing a dangerous tackle during his team's round six Super Rugby match against the Bulls in Hamilton on Saturday. He was cited after appearing to contravene Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent.
The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has accepted the guilty plea and suspended him from all forms of the game for 4 weeks, up to and including Saturday 29 April 2017.
In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following:
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent."
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's early guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks."
"The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including Saturday 29 April 2017."