Crusaders prop Owen Franks has been banned for two matches for striking an opponent during their 32-24 win against the Blues on Saturday.

Franks pleaded guilty to striking Blues hooker James Parsons at a Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee hearing.

The incident was initially missed by the on-field officials but after further review of the match footage, the citing commissioner deemed the incident met the red card threshold.

He was suspended from all forms of the game up to and including Saturday, 2 June, ruling him out of matches against the Hurricanes and Chiefs.

Franks will, however, be available for selection for the All Blacks’ first Test against France on 9 June.

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