Kaino suspension confirmed

Kaino was red carded by referee Brendon Pickerill under law 10.4 (a) for striking Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu during their final pre-season fixture at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe.

Kaino lodged an early admission of the offence which was acknowledged by Duty Judicial Officer Roger Drummond before he handed down the one-week suspension.  

In his written decision, Drummond noted that Kaino had held a clean judicial record for more than 10 years and that he was remorseful and had apologised to Manu. He also accepted Kaino's submission that his action was reckless and not intentional. 

Kaino will be available for the Blues match against the Crusaders in Christchurch the following week.