Tasman lock Riki Hoeata has been suspended from playing all rugby for one week after he was found guilty of a dangerous tackle during his team's match against Otago in Nelson on Sunday.
Hoeata, 23, denied the charge at a New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) judicial hearing via teleconference yesterday.
But after viewing video footage of the incident, and hearing evidence and submissions, judicial officer Bruce Squire QC upheld the citing.
Squire said while the tackle on Otago winger Joe Hill, in the 59th minute of the game was not high or late, Hoeata did not use his arms in executing the tackle.
Hoeata was suspended from all rugby for one week until August 29 and will miss Tasman's round 13 match against Manawatu at Trafalgar Park, Nelson on Thursday.
