The Tasman lock Riki Hoeata has been suspended from playing rugby for one week after he was found guilty of a dangerous tackle during his team's Round 11 ITM Cup loss to Otago in Nelson on Sunday.
The 23-year-old denied the charge but after viewing video footage and hearing evidence and submissions at a teleconference judicial hearing Bruce Squire QC upheld the original citing.
Mr Squire ruled that while the tackle on the Otago winger Joe Hill, wasn't late or high Hoeata didn't use his arms to make it so he's not eligible for Thursday's home match against Manawatu.
