Blues prop Nepo Laulala handed ban after red card for dangerous clean out

Blues prop Nepo Laulala has been handed a three week suspension following his red card on Tuesday night against Moana Pasifika.

The 30-year-old entered a ruck in the 57th minute with projectile force and connected his shoulder into the head of a Moana Pasifika tackler Fini Inisi.

The incident was reviewed on the field after the passage of play finished and referee Paul Williams issued a red card after the TMO review.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 7

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 7

The All Black pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous play in a ruck or maul but he received a reduced sentence

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level,” Committee chairman Michael Heron said in a statement on Thursday.

“Taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record, his acceptance of foul play and his expressed remorse, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.

Laulala can apply for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention which could see a further one week reduction in the suspension following the completion of the tackling course.