Whitelock suspended for two weeks

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing found that Whitelock contravened Law 10.4(a) Striking another Player with the arm, after he was cited during the Super Rugby match. 

The incident occurred in the 71st minute of the match played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing held via video conference on Monday was before Terry Willis (Chairman), De Wet Barry and Mike Mika.

The SANZAAR Judicial Committee found: "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, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(a) Striking another Player with the hand, arm or fist."

"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of four weeks due to the World Rugby stipulation that a strike to the head shall result in at least a mid-range entry point sanction. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the fact that the player had an excellent disciplinary record including 110 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders and 84 test caps for the All Blacks, the Judicial Committee reduced the otherwise applicable sanction from four weeks to two weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for two weeks, up to and including May 13."

Whitelock will miss his team's upcoming matches against the Bulls and Hurricanes.