Rugby: One-match suspension for Hoeata

Taranaki No 8 Jarrad Hoeata has been suspended for one game after today being found guilty of making a dangerous charge in an Air NZ Cup rugby match against North Harbour last Saturday.

Hoeata appeared before a New Zealand Rugby Union judicial committee hearing in Wellington after being cited by citing commissioner Mike O'Leary for an incident involving North Harbour fullback George Pisi.

Hoeata acknowledged that a breach of the game's laws had occurred and explained that he was in two minds about attempting a charge down or a tackle.

In the event, he did neither and the committee found that he had made a high charge at shoulder level which was also late.

Pisi was knocked to the ground but suffered no injury and Hoeata immediately stopped to check on his condition.

The committee comprised chairman Nick Davidson QC, Merlin Shannon and Jonathan Tanner.

The one-match suspension means Hoeata will be miss his team's match against Southland on Sunday.

- NZPA