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Super Rugby high-fliers Chiefs will be without Johnny Fa’auli throughout April after the back received a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle in Friday’s victory over Bulls.
Fa’auli was cited by SANZAAR – the body that operates Super Rugby – for an apparent shoulder charge on Jan Serfontein.
On Sunday, SANZAAR confirmed Fa’auli had entered a guilty plea to its Foul Play Review Committee and would now be unavailable up to and including April 29.
Foul Play Review Committee chairman Nigel Hampton QC 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, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent.”
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s early guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to four weeks.”
Fa’auli will therefore miss Chiefs’ upcoming matches against away matches against Stormers, Cheetahs and Western Force, in addition to a home clash with Sunwolves.
Chiefs, losing semi-finalists in 2016, have won their opening five matches this term.
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