The NSW Waratahs will miss Lachlan Swinton for the rest of the regular season after the backrower copped a seven-week ban.
Swinton was cited after a dangerous tackle on Jake Strachan inside the first 30 seconds of their 36-16 victory last Saturday.
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The incident went unpenalised on the day, with the flanker having his case heard by SANZAAR's Judicial Committee.
They ruled the tackle as high-impact, deciding the foul play merited a top-end entry point of 10 weeks, reduced by three weeks due to mitigating factors.
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions from the Player and his legal representative, Mr Aaron Lloyd, the Judicial Committee upheld the Citing under Law 9.13," Committee Chair Helen Morgan.
"With respect to sanction, the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play was reckless, with the contact point directly made with the head, high force and no mitigating factors present.
"The Committee found the incident was highly dangerous and, after considering all relevant factors of World Rugby’s Head Contact Process and sanctioning table, decided the foul play merited a top-end entry point of 10 weeks.
"Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player's acceptance of guilt that the incident was foul play, conduct at the hearing and remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by three weeks.
"The player is therefore suspended for 7 weeks, up to and including 3 June 2023."
It's a massive blow for the Swinton and the Waratahs, who will need to make the finals for the enforcer to play Super Rugby again in 2023.
The 26-year-old was called into the Wallabies squad on Sunday morning after a raft of injuries, with the suspension a major dent to his World Cup aspirations.
Swinton last played for the Wallabies in 2021, missing the majority of last season with a shoulder nerve injury.
His suspension adds to a growing casualty list, with Jed Holloway and Dave Porecki (both concussion) ruled out of Saturday's clash with the Blues.
They will be sweating on the fitness of Langi Gleeson as he continues to deal with a calf issue.
