ALL Blacks and Blues Super Rugby forward Steven Luatua has been suspended for four weeks by a Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee.

As per the Sanzaar rules for the matter to be dispensed with at the hearing, Luatua had to plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee accepted the guilty plea from Luatua for contravening Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent, after he was Red Carded during a Super Rugby Match at the Weekend.

Luatua has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including Saturday 1 April 2017.

Luatua made contact with Chiefs player Tim Nanai-Williams during the match between the Chiefs v Blues at FMG Stadium, Hamilton on 3 March 2017.

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

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 red-carding of the Player 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 admission of guilt and his remorse for his actions, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension by 2 weeks.

“The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including Saturday 1 April 2017.”