The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has been hit with a blow as young flanker Motikiai Murray has been handed a three weeks suspension after he was found guilty by the Super Rugby Pacific Foul Play Review Committee of committing a dangerous tackle in contravention of Law 9.13.
The tackle occurred in the 79th minute of the match between the Fijian Drua and ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium last Friday where the Drua lost 38-21.
The FPRC upheld the red card issued to Murray and determined the mid-range entry point of six weeks was appropriate.
In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as mitigating factors such as an exemplary disciplinary record, the FPRC applied the full 50 per cent reduction in sanction.
The FPRC determined that Murray cannot apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme in this case.
Murray has been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks, and will miss the Drua’s games against the Western Force this weekend, the Crusaders and the Highlanders.
The Drua will take on the Force at 6.05pm this Sunday in Perth.
In other matches this week, Moana Pasifika will take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm Friday, the Highlanders will play the Reds at 3.35pm Saturday, the Blues will host the Crusaders at 6.05pm Saturday and the Waratahs will play the Brumbies at 8.35pm Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women will take on the Western Force at 8.50pm Sunday at HBF Park in Perth.
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