Rugby: Sweeney handed three-week ban

Dwayne Sweeney’s Super 14 season is over after a being served a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle. Photo / Getty Images

Chiefs back Dwayne Sweeney's Super 14 rugby season is over after he received a three-match ban last night for a dangerous tackle.

Sweeney was suspended from rugby up to and including May 31 for what the judiciary described as a "tip tackle" on Waratahs winger Drew Mitchell in the 19th minute of the match at Waikato Stadium on Saturday.

Before Sanzar judicial officer Peter Hobbs at the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) offices in Wellington, Sweeney accepted the allegation that the tackle had been dangerous.

After considering the evidence and statements by, and on behalf of Sweeney, Hobbs accepted that the offence was at the low end of culpability and that it was not deliberate.

Hobbs took into account Sweeney's previous record which included two yellow cards for dangerous tackles.

- NZPA