Counties-Manukau halfback Augustine Pulu has been suspended for two weeks after receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle against Manawatu last Thursday.
It means Pulu's Mitre 10 Cup season is over, with Counties-Manukau out of premiership semifinal contention and just one regular season match remaining against Tasman on Saturday.
Pulu was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Manawatu's Jade Te Rure in the 75th minute of last week's match in Palmerston North, which Counties-Manukau won 29-24.
He faced a hearing before New Zealand Rugby judicial officer Nigel Hampton QC on Saturday.
Hampton said the tackle initially made contact with Te Rure's chest, then rose onto the neck, making it a low end offence with a starting sanction of a two-week suspension.
Hampton found that Pulu had been suspended for a similar offence in 2016, which added one week to the entry level sanction.
Pulu showed remorse for his action, immediately apologised to the opposing player Te Rure and Hampton noted it was the first red card he had received, which saw the suspension reduced to two weeks.
Pulu's suspension includes all rugby and means he will miss Counties-Manukau's match against Tasman and any matches he is scheduled to play in up to and including October 21.
Photo: HAGEN HOPKINS/GETTY IMAGES (Caption: Referee Glen Jackson marches Augustine Pulu off late in the match in Palmerston North)