Tasman lock Riki Hoeata has been suspended from rugby for three matches for a swinging arm which led to his Hawke's Bay opposite Brodie Retallick suffering a broken nose and facial injuries.
The incident took place at the breakdown in Tasman's round six ITM Cup match against Hawke's Bay on Tuesday night. Hoeata's action was found to be wreckless rather than intentional but was delivered with considerable force and carried a real risk to the other player.
NZRU Judicial Officer Nick Davidson QC took into account Hoeata's clean record in senior representative rugby and the Makos second rower's contrition and concern for a fellow player.
