Rob Horne has been banned for three weeks for a tip-tackle on Lionel Mapoe during the Waratahs' 27-22 defeat to the Lions on Saturday.

The Wallabies winger was sin-binned for the offence which occurred in the 27th minute of the match at Ellis Park and was cited following the game.

The Sanzar duty judicial officer Adam Casselden accepted a guilty plea from Horne for contravening Law 10.4 (j) Lifting Tackle.

Horne has been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks up to and including Saturday, 20 June.

'After initially reviewing the video footage, citing commissioner's report and other relevant materials. I heard from the player and his representatives, including his counsel Mr Anthony Black, and obtained their views of the incident. I then proceeded by establishing that the player accepted a breach for the cited offence and then identified the various factors involved in the incident.

'I considered the incident had an entry point in the low-end range which starts at a four-week suspension for lifting tackles. I then added two weeks as a deterrent to send a further message that this type of tackle cannot be tolerated in the game due to the risk it poses to players.

'Mitigating factors included the player admitting guilt for the offence and demonstrating remorse for his actions. This, among other factors, entitles the player to a 50% reduction, which results in a three-week sanction.

'The player is accordingly found to have contravened Law 10.4 (j) and is suspended for three weeks up to and including Saturday, 20 June.'

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