Crusaders captain cops four-week ban

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Crusaders captain Scott Barrett is one of three players who were handed bans this week by SANZAAR.

Barrett received a four-week after receiving a red card during the Crusaders’ defeat to the Blues on Saturday.

The All Black’s indiscretion occurred shortly after halftime with the Crusaders captain’s shoulder connecting with Blues prop Alex Hodgman’s jaw while attempting to floor the 2020 test debutant.

Hodgman was already being held by two other Crusaders players.

Barrett appeared before the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Michael Heron QC (Chair), Stefan Terblanche and John Langford, who deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six 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.

Barrett pleaded guilty and the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to four weeks.

However, the player was not entitled to the full 50 percent reduction due to a prior similar offence.

Barrett will out of action until May 13.

Meanwhile, All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua and  Maori All Blacks player Josh Dickson were both handed three-week suspensions.

Aumua was banned for an incident that occurred in the 76th minute of the match between the Highlanders and Hurricanes played at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Aumua was also found to have made head contact, warranting a red card. Aumua has been suspended from all forms of the game for up to and including May 8.

Dickson was suspended for an early tackle in the 19th minute of the same match between the Highlanders and Hurricanes.

The Highlanders lock was red-carded for the hit on prop Tevita Mafileo which left the front-rower needing an HIA.

Dickson has been suspended up to and including May 6.