Crusaders lose Nadolo for three matches

The SANZAAR Duty Judicial Officer Chris Morris has accepted a guilty plea from Nemani Nadolo of the Crusaders for contravening Law 10.4 (j) Lifting Tackle, after he was Cited during the Super Rugby match at the Weekend. Nadolo performed a dangerous tackle on Brumbies scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli, by lifting him from the ground and placing him in a dangerous position.

The incident occurred in the 39th minute of the match played at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Sunday.

The Crusaders have a bye this weekend before they play the Reds, Highlanders and Waratahs - these will be the matches Nadolo wil miss.

"Nemani Nadolo (the Player) appeared before a SANZAAR Duty Judicial Officer having been cited in the match between the Crusaders and the Brumbies for a breach of Law 10.4 (j)," said Morris. "He was represented by Aaron Lloyd.

"During the hearing the player pleaded guilty to the charge.

"After careful consideration of the available evidence and the very helpful submissions of Lloyd the offence was categorised as low-end which carries a four weeks suspension.

"I took into account as mitigating factors the player's disciplinary record after a lengthy professional career, his guilty plea and the fact that the tackle was reckless rather than deliberate. The player was therefore given a two week discount on the original sanction creating a recommended sanction of two weeks.

"I took into account World Rugby memorandums about lifting tackles and the need to deter this very action from the game. As such I found it necessary to add two additional weeks to the recommended sanction.

"The player is accordingly suspended from all rugby for four weeks until May 21, 2016 which effectively is a three match Super Rugby suspension. We were provided with proof that he would have been selected to play in a club match on April 30, 2016, which the player will also miss as a result of the suspension."