Blues flank Steven Luatua has been handed a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle.

The incident occurred in the 40th minute of the match between the Blues and Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday when Luatua made contact around the neck area of Tim Nanai-Williams in an off-the-ball-scuffle. Luatua received a red card immediately after his transgression and was later found to have contravened Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous Tackling.

The Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford assessed the case and accepted the players' guilty plea.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman, Hampton, 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, we upheld the red-carding of the player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent.’

‘With respect to the 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 suspension was reduced by two weeks. The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including Saturday 1 April 2017.’

Luatua will only become available for selection for the Blues' derby against the Highlanders in Dunedin on 8 April.

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