Southland player Hayden Michaels and Auckland player Niko Jones have both received a three week suspension from the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) judiciary.
Nico Jones playing for Auckland. Photo: Marty Melville
Michaels' suspension comes after he was red carded for a dangerous high tackle during Southland's 30-26 home win over Counties Manukau on September 25.
Jones' suspension comes after he was also red carded for a dangerous high tackle during Auckland's 38-20 defeat to Canterbury at Eden Park on September 23.
The Duty Judicial Officer (DJO) accepted Michaels' and Jones' admissions of guilt and ruled the offences to be at the mid-range resulting in a suspension of six weeks.
Due to mitigating factors, including both players having a clean disciplinary record, the suspensions have been reduced to three weeks.
Michaels missed last weekend's 66-8 loss to North Harbour and will miss two Highlanders pre-season matches in 2023.
Jones missed last weekend's 38-24 win over Taranaki and will miss the next two matches, including this weekend's quarterfinal against North Harbour this weekend and the possible semi-final.