Rugby: Owen Franks suspended for two weeks

Owen Franks will miss two games for the Crusaders. Photo / Photosport

Crusaders prop Owen Franks has copped a two-week ban for his head-high tackle on Blues hooker James Parsons last night.

Franks' shot to the head of Parsons, which forced the Blues player from the field in the first half, was reviewed by referee Glen Jackson, who gave Franks a warning but nothing else.

However, he was later cited by Sanzaar, with the judicial committee deciding to suspend Franks for two weeks after he pled guilty to the charge of "striking a player with the arm".

His ban was reduced from a starting point of four weeks due to several reasons, explained committee chairman Nigel Hampton.

"Taking into account mitigating factors including the players good record over an extensive playing history which includes only one previous judicial sanction, his expressed remorse and apology to the other player, and the player's guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to two weeks."

It means Franks will be free to play for the All Blacks in their first test against France, with the prop set to miss the Crusaders' games against the Hurricanes and Chiefs.

Parsons, who made a punching action to an assistant referee as he left the field, didn't return to the pitch. Jackson could be heard via his microphone telling Franks that he was lucky too much time had elapsed before the incident was spotted.

He wasn't so lucky after the game, and the Crusaders will now be without their two first-choice All Black props for their clash against the Hurricanes on Friday night, after Joe Moody was suspended last week for a hit on Waratahs back Kurtley Beale.