Luatua suspended for four weeks

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee accepted a guilty plea from Luatua for contravening Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent, after he was red carded in the match.

Luatua has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including Saturday, April 1.

Luatua made contact with Chiefs player Tim Nanai-Williams during the match in Hamilton.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford assessed the case.

"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 red-carding of the player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent," said Hampton. 

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of six weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's early admission of guilt and his remorse for his actions, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension by two weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including Saturday, April 1."

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.