Barrett, Aumua and Dickson cop SANZAAR bans

SANZAAR have handed out a total of 10 weeks of bans to three players following recent on-field indiscretions in Super Rugby Pacific.

All Black second row Barrett has been banned after his shoulder connected with Blues prop Alex Hodgman’s jaw while attempting to floor the front rower. Hodgman – who was already being held by two other Crusaders players.

The incident in question occurred in the 45th minute of the match between the Crusaders and Blues played at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee found: "With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 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.

"Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's acceptance of foul play, his expressed remorse and pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks. The Player was not entitled to the full 50 per cent reduction due to a prior similar offence."

Barrett has been suspended from all forms of the game for 4 weeks, up to and including 13 May 2022.

Meanwhile All Blacks hooker Asafo 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 3 weeks, up to and including 8 May 2022.

Meanwhile Maori All Blacks player Josh 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 from all forms of the game for 3 weeks, up to and including 6 May 2022.