The Melbourne Rebels have received a major blow with lock Trevor Hosea suspended for two weeks.
Hosea was found guilty of making high contact with an opponent in a ruck during their 26-20 loss to the Brumbies.
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The incident occurred in the 70th minute of the match, making contact with the head of Nic White in the process of clearing out.
Whilst the incident went unpunished during the match, SANZAAR's Foul Play Review Committee cited the 21-year-old after the match.
Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC stated: "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 Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.20."
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 4 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's good judicial record and pleading guilty at his first available opportunity the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 2 weeks.
"The player is therefore suspended from all forms of the game up to and including 1 May 2021.
"In the event, the Rebels do not reach the Super Rugby AU Qualifying Final, the FPRC have reserved the right to amend the sanction to include the Player's next scheduled match."
Hosea will miss Saturday's clash with the Waratahs, as well as the Qualifying Final if the Rebels manage to qualify.
The Melbourne side needs to defeat the winless Tahs and the Force to lose to the Reds if they wish to book their spot in the finals.
The loss of Hosea is a major blow for the Rebels, who are set to confirm that they will be without Dane Haylett-Petty for another week as he continues his return from a concussion.
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