The Queensland Reds have suffered a blow ahead of Friday's clash with the Melbourne Rebels with prop Sef Fa'agase suspended for four games.
Fa'agase was cited for a high shot on Chiefs flanker Simon Parker during the first half of their 25-19 win on Saturday.
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The incident was not picked up during the game, with the prop eventually coming off for an HIA due to the head-on-head contact.
However, SANZAAR's citing commission deemed it worthy of a red card offence, suspending him for a month.
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the Player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin KC, the Judicial Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13," they said in a statement.
“Following the World Rugby Head Contact Process (HCP), the Committee assessed the player's actions as having directly contacted the head, at speed, with high force and without the required mitigating factors to warrant a reduction from a red card.
"The Judicial Committee thoroughly considered all factors of World Rugby's Head Contact Process and sanctioning table and concluded that the foul play warranted a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks.
"After taking into account mitigating factors such as the Player’s remorse, disciplinary history, and conduct throughout the hearing, the sanction was reduced to 4 weeks. The Player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including 12 April 2024.”
Fa'agase joins Alex Hodgman on the sidelines, who will likely miss Friday's clash with the Rebels as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Fijian international Peni Ravai is the leading contender to start, whilst George Blake started for the Reds development squad against Brothers and UQ.
Jordan Petaia have recovered from his concussion and are expected to be named when teams get announced on Wednesday, with coach Les Kiss revealing centre Hunter Paisami needed to pass one more test but is set to be available.
