The Waikato lock Romana Graham has been suspended for six weeks for a head-butt during Saturday night's ITM Cup Premiership final against Canterbury in Hamilton.
The ban comes into effect at the start of the Chiefs' Super Rugby season next year.
Graham was cited for head-butting Canterbury fullback Sean Maitland in the 59th minute of the game.
Canterbury won the final 12 - 3.
While Graham admitted the charge, Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton considered the offence to be in the mid-range of seriousness.
Graham is banned from playing all rugby up to and including Wednesday March 14th, ruling him out of the Chiefs' three pre-season Super Rugby matches, and their first three Super Rugby season matches.
