Fijian Rugger Gets One Week Suspension

Fiji and Auckland wing Watisoni Lotawa has been suspended for a week for striking an opponent with his elbow in the Air New Zealand Cup match against Manawatu in Auckland last Saturday.

Lotawa, who was cited for striking Manawatu fullback Francisco Bosch in the 64th minute of the match, appeared before New Zealand Rugby Union judicial officer Peter Hobbs in Wellington yesterday.

Lotawa denied that there had been an act of foul play or that he had been reckless.

However, he accepted that his elbow had made contact with Bosch's head.

Hobbs, who viewed a video of the incident and received reports from the three match officials who did not see it, determined that Lotawa's elbow had struck Bosch and his actions were reckless.

A one-week suspension was appropriate and he suspended Lotawa from all rugby up to and including September 3rd.