Sam Whitelock suspended for 2 weeks

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found that Sam Whitelock of the Crusaders contravened Law 10.4(a) Striking another Player with the arm, after he was cited during the Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs at the weekend.
 
Whitelock has been suspended for 2 weeks, up to and including 13 May 2017.
 
The incident occurred in the 71st minute of the match between the Cheetahs and Crusaders played at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein on 29 April 2017.
 
The SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing held via video conference on 1 May 2017 was before Terry Willis (Chairman), De Wet Barry and Mike Mika.
 
The SANZAAR Judicial Committee found:
 
"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 Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(a) Striking another Player with the hand, arm or fist."
 
"With respect to sanction, the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 4 weeks due to the World Rugby stipulation that a strike to the head shall result in at least a mid-range entry point sanction. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the fact that the Player had an excellent disciplinary record including 110 Super Rugby games for the Crusaders and 84 test caps for the All Blacks, the Judicial Committee reduced the otherwise applicable sanction from 4 weeks to 2 weeks."
 
"The Player is therefore suspended for 2 weeks, up to and including 13 May 2017.”

Click here for the full highlights between the Cheetahs and Crusaders