One-week ban for Stag Dixon

Southland No.8 Elliot Dixon has been suspended from play for one week and Taranaki lock Jarrad Hoeata has been issued an off-field yellow card following judicial hearings.

Hoeata was cited under rugby law 10.4 (e) for a dangerous tackle and 10.4 (a) for striking a player after an alleged swinging arm tackle on a Canterbury player 12 minutes into the first half of Taranaki's match against Canterbury in Christchurch on Friday.  Canterbury won the match 30-6.

Judicial Officer Roger Drummond found that Hoeata's tackle was dangerous, but deemed that the level of offending did not warrant suspension and he issued an Off-Field Yellow Card.  

This is in addition to another Off-Field Yellow Card issued to Hoeata by Citing Commissioner Jim Meates for a separate incident in the match.

Southland Stag Dixon was cited under law 10.4 (e) for an alleged dangerous tackle on a Tasman player just three minutes from full time in their match at Invercargill's Rugby Park on Saturday.  Tasman won the match 25-15.

Roger Drummond found that the tackle was dangerous, but was at the lower end of offending and due to the player's impeccable record, good conduct at the hearing and acceptance, in part, of the offence, ruled that Dixon be suspended from all rugby for one week, up to and including Sunday.  

He will therefore be unavailable to play for Southland in their match against Northland this weekend.

This week Tasman halfback Mark Swanepoel was also issued with an Off-Field Yellow Card for a dangerous tackle.