The Melbourne Rebels have received a blow with standout centre Ray Nu'u suspended for three games following his red card during their win over the Force.
Nu'u was issued a red card for a high tackle on Brynard Stander during the one-point victory at HBF Park.
It was one of two cards on the night, with Matt To'omua yellow carded for his own high tackle, however, he avoided any further sanctioning.
The Rebels opted to contest the ruling, with SANZAAR's Judicial Committee finding him guilty of making dangerous or high contact to an opposition.
"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, Tim North QC, the Judicial Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.13," Judicial Committee Chair Helen Morgan ruled.
"With respect to sanction, the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby directive that mandates that any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range entry level.
"Taking into account mitigating factors, including the Player’s good judicial record, expressed remorse, and young age; the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension by three weeks."
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This will see Nu'u miss Friday's clash with the Queensland Reds as well as Super Round, with the Judiciary confirming he will be free to play Moana Pasifika if he attends a coaching intervention designed to fix tackle technique. "The Player was informed of his ability to apply for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention," the statement added.
"Any player who has a citing or red card upheld by a disciplinary panel for foul play involving the Head Contact Process may apply to have the final week of their sanction substituted by undertaking a coaching intervention that specifically addresses the technical tackle/contact technique-error that caused or contributed to the foul play.
"This intervention will be overseen by the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Expert Review Panel – a panel of expert independent coaches - and is only be available to first time offenders."
