Queensland Reds lock James Horwill has been suspended for one week after being sent off in a Super Rugby match with the Rebels in Melbourne, officials said Saturday.
The former Wallaby skipper will miss the Reds' match against the Northern Bulls in Pretoria next weekend, which is the first game of Queensland's two-week tour to South Africa.
Horwill pleaded guilty to striking Rebels prop Paul Alo-Emile after he was shown a red card in the 21st minute of Friday's match, which the Reds lost 23-15.
South Africa, New Zealand, Australia Rugby (SANZAR) duty judicial officer Nicholas Davidson rejected the Reds' claim for a lower entry point for a sanction due to the strike causing no injury.
However Horwill's good disciplinary record over his long rugby career as well as his apology to Alo-Emile reduced the penalty from two weeks to one.
"In the circumstances, the two-week entry point is reduced to one week and Horwill is suspended up to and including Saturday 11 April," Davidson said.
Source: AFP