The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has found Crusaders prop Owen Franks guilty of dangerous play in a ruck or maul have suspended the 108 test All Black for two weeks.
Owen Franks was yellow-carded in the dying seconds of their loss to the Hurricanes, however, the card was subsequently been upgraded to red, meaning Franks had to face a foul play committee.
In a statement, SANZAAR wrote, "The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has found Owen Franks of the Crusaders guilty of contravening Law 9.20b: Dangerous play in a ruck or maul."
"A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders."
"Franks has been suspended from all forms of the game up to and including 29 March 2024."
The statement also included quotes from FPRC Chair Stephen Hardy.
"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 under Law 9.20b," said Hardy
"Applying the World Rugby Head Contact Process, the FPRC assessed the Player's actions as including direct head contact with the shoulder, that was reckless, made at high speed, in dynamic play with the Player colliding with a high degree of force."
"The entry point for the offence was 4 weeks. The Player was given a discount for entering an early guilty plea (and other relevant mitigating factors) reducing the suspension from 4 weeks to two weeks."
Franks' suspension is another setback in what has been a historically poor start for the 14-time champions.
The suspension means Franks will miss his side's upcoming game with the Blues, as well as their match against the Chiefs.
