KEY POINTS:
Hawkes Bay coach Peter Russell says the New Zealand Rugby Union's judiciary has set a benchmark by banning prop Clint Newland for 10 weeks for a punching offence.
Newland was suspended until October 20 after a hearing at NZRU headquarters in Wellington.
The hearing was called after Newland was cited for punching Wellington prop Neemia Tialata during an Air New Zealand Cup match, won 8-6 by Hawkes Bay last Saturday in Napier.
Russell was disappointed at the length of Newland's ban, which rules him out for the rest of the provincial season, and said Hawkes Bay officials would discuss the possibility of an appeal.
"I'm probably bitter at the moment with the decision but everyone has to accept that and move on," he said.
"Whether or not we decide to appeal tomorrow, we have to focus solely on our campaign from now on."
The Hawkes Bay team travelled to Blenheim yesterday to complete preparations for their match against Tasman tonight.
Russell said he did not condone violence and told Newland after the match he was disappointed.
"You could probably understand where the judiciary was coming from. They have definitely put a line in the sand."
Newland expressed regret about the incident to the judiciary.
- NZPA
