All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett has been handed an early-season 'load management' break by Super Rugby Pacific judiciary, suspended three weeks after a red card against Queensland Reds.
The Hurricanes star was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Reds fullback Jordan Petaia, a punishment that was subsequently upgraded to red, leaving his team shorthanded, as they tried to stave off their opponents.
The contest eventually went to 'golden point', with replacement prop Pasilio Tosi scored the winning try in extra time. Barrett, 27, was celebrating his 100th appearance for the franchise, but he will now remain stuck on that milestone for a few weeks, as he serves out his judicial sentence.
The Hurricanes host the Blues on Saturday, with the champion Crusaders and Melbourne Rebels looming down the track.
"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 red card given to the player under Law 9.13," said committe chair Stephen Hardy.
“Following the World Rugby head contact process, the FPRC assessed the player's actions as having directly contacted the head, at high speed, with high force and while the player's body position was always upright into the collision.
"The FPRC considered the act of foulplay was always illegal. In those circumstances, no mitigation was applied."
Penalty for the offence started at six weeks, but was reduced to three - up to and including March 22 - due to "mitigating factors".
Hardy also confirmed Barrett could apply for World Rugby's 'Head Contact Process - Coaching Intervention', which may yet see his ban reduced further.
Join Newshub at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Hurricanes v Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific clash
